For the past few weeks, Florida coach Tim Walton has been waiting for production from the bottom of the lineup.
This weekend, his patience was rewarded.
Led by shortstop Cheyenne Coyle’s three homers over the first two games, and third baseman Kasey Fagan’s solo shot Sunday, UF’s Nos. 6-9 hitters went 16 for 39 at the plate as No. 10 Florida (37-7, 13-6 Southeastern Conference) earned the series sweep with a 13-4 drubbing of No. 24 Auburn (32-12, 11-9 SEC).
“Two weeks ago, people were talking about how we’re down,” Walton said. “Here we are having our best weekend of the season. Once you get it going on offense, it can be contagious.”
The Tigers had no answers for the Gators’ suddenly deep lineup as UF pounded 16 hits Sunday and set the single-game school record with eight home runs.
Sophomore Brittany Schutte and senior Aja Paculba each hit a pair of long balls Sunday as UF exploded for 35 runs in the series.
“When a team gets hot, it doesn’t take a whole lot to keep them going,” Walton said.
While the middle of the order produced at its usual pace, the team’s two freshmen infielders opened some eyes.
Coyle’s steady production from the seventh spot has been key given Fagan’s inconsistency hitting out of the nine hole.
“The key was the bottom of the lineup keeping us going,” left fielder Kelsey Bruder said.
“With every single series, they get better,” Bruder added. “That’s to be expected with more experience and the knowledge they gain on how different teams approach us.”
Brombacher’s return goes well: Although it will take some time for her bicep to get back to full strength, Saturday was a big step for Stephanie Brombacher.
The senior ace pitched for the first time since March 12 and tossed 4.2 solid innings in UF’s 8-2 win, giving up one run on five hits and one walk while striking out four.
“I was a little nervous since I haven’t faced hitters in so long,” Brombacher said. “My approach was a little different, but after the first inning, I was comfortable.”
Brombacher said she needed to let her bicep “cool down” to limit inflammation over the past month.
After putting her on a 50-60 pitch count Saturday, Walton plans to take things slowly with Brombacher as she builds up her velocity.
“We’re not going to put a timetable on it,” Walton said. “We’re very optimistic she can get better as we go forward.”
