After watching the Wisconsin Badgers make a triumphant comeback against Georgia Tech in the first game of the day, the Florida Gators poured it on early and cruised to a run-rule, 11-0 victory Sunday afternoon.
Florida, batting first as the de-facto road team, scored ten runs in the first largely thanks to speed and manufacturing.
Kendra Falby opened things by legging out a groundball to shortstop. After Hannah Adams’ single, Skylar Wallace came through with a single that plated Falby from third. Another highlight of the inning was the two-run, one out double by Katie Kistler to put the Gators up 6-0. That was followed up by Sam Roe’s perfectly executed squeeze play to score Kistler just three pitches later. The first inning scoring was completed by Charla Echols’ two run single to extend the advantage to 10-0.
The ten run lead was more than enough for Florida freshman RHP Lexie Delbrey. Delbrey scattered three hits in four inning of work, but kept Wisconsin off the scoreboard.
The Badgers got two runners on in the second but Delbrey induced a flyout to Echols to end the threat without consequence.
The Gators tacked on a run in the top of the fifth when the top of the order came through, yet again.
Falby beat out a groundball hit back to the pitcher before Adams doubled to left-center putting a pair of runners in scoring position. Wallace’s groundout to short scored Falby and put Florida up 11-0.
Natalie Lugo came on to finish the ballgame. After hitting the first batter she faced with an 0-2 pitch, Lugo retired the side in order for the run-rule victory.
In total, the Gators pounded out 15 hits on the game.
Key Performances
- Falby: 3-4, 3 R
- Adams: 4-4, 2B, R
- Wallace: 2-4, 3 RBI, 2 R
- Echols: 2-4, 2 RBI, R
- Delbrey: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, BB, K
Pitching Decision:
- W: Delbrey (15-3)
- L: Salo (0-1)
On Deck:
Florida advances to the Super Regionals for the ninth straight year. The Gators will meet Virginia Tech in Blacksburg next weekend.
Virginia Tech advanced following a 3-1 performance in regionals. The Hokies defeated Kentucky 5-4 in the regional final Sunday evening.