Rain was in Friday night's forecast, but the only thing falling from the sky was softballs.
Florida (7-0) kicked off its first home weekend series of the season with an 8-0 win against visiting Michigan State. The Gators notched their fifth run-rule victory of the year, easily taking care of the Spartans (1-5).
Florida knocked MSU further down in the Big Ten cellar, but coach Tim Walton was not focused on his opponent's record.
"I don't think the record really matters when you can win ballgames," Walton said. "I don't think it matters who we're playing. I taught our players not to get caught up in the name across somebody's chest. Whatever their record is, you have a challenge ahead of you and you just got to go do it."
Sophomore Hannah Rogers followed her coach's advice and pitched her most efficient game, allowing only one hit, one walk and just three baserunners in a five-inning shutout.
The Gators were as locked-in at the plate as the Spartans were confused. All nine UF hitters reached base, and all but one came through with at least one hit. Junior Brittany Schutte and freshman Lauren Haeger knocked in five of Florida's eight runs on the day.
And the team's power-duo showed off their muscle in the fourth, sending back-to-back pitches over the wall against two different pitchers.
"I hit the home run, which felt good," Haeger said. "But then having Schutte be able to do it again after me is even better. It means more runs and [getting] closer to winning."
After Haeger sent a bomb over the left field field fence, MSU coach Jacquie Joseph replaced starter Cassee Layne with Shelby Wise. But Wise's first pitch to UF's single-season home run record holder ended up just like the previous one, out of the park.
"I wasn't really concerned about the new pitcher," Schutte said. "I was just trying to stay focused on my own swing. I saw a good pitch and it was outside so I put a good swing on it."
The back-to-back home runs was part of a five-run fourth inning. Freshman Sami Fagan got the ball rolling with a two-RBI double, and her sister ended the game in the fifth with an RBI single.
Even with a 7-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the nation, Walton isn't satisfied and said there is still work to be done.
"I still don't see a No. 1 team in the country," Walton said. "I think we're good, I don't know how good yet. It's just managing expectations, keeping the team positive and look forward to playing the game of softball. Whether you're No. 1, No. 2 or No. 22, it shouldn't matter. You should play the game the same way."
Freshman Lauren Haeger belted a home run in Florida's 8-0 victory against Michigan State on Friday.
