One was enough.
Despite Florida only putting up a single run Sunday against Tennessee, the Gators earned their 23rd win of the season. Freshmen Alyssa Bache and Lauren Haeger, in a combined effort, shutout the No. 9 Vols in Knoxville, Tenn. to win the three game series two games to one.
The first game of the series ended with an identical score but different outcome as the Gators dropped only their second game of the season, 1-0. However, Bache and Haeger turned the tables on UT by allowing a total of zero runs on six hits Sunday afternoon.
“They both did a great job of keeping their composure,” Walton said. “Neither of them were really dominant, but they pitched themselves out of trouble. I’m really proud of the way they pitched.”
After using sophomore Hannah Rogers two consecutive days, Walton gave both Bache and Haeger the opportunity to pitch but gave Bache the start.
“Me and Lauren just did our thing today,” Bache said. “I’m always happy keeping Tennessee to zero runs. Anytime we can help each other out . . . we’re fine with it, we’re happy with it. When coach takes me out, I’m fine with it as long as we get the win.”
Ellen Renfroe, the Vols starter who shutout the Gators on Friday, pitched a similarly tight game on Sunday. However, the difference was a crucial mistake she made in the third inning.
Senior Michelle Moultrie took a one-out pitch over the center-field fence for her sixth home run of the year. The solo home run was the run production would need or get Sunday.
Not only could the Gators not muster up more than one run for the third time in five games, but they were also outhit six to four. Moultrie, Haeger and sophomore Kasey Fagan were the only players to collect a hit with Fagan getting two.
Walton doesn’t blame his hitters though.
“I think you have to look at the pitcher that we faced,” Walton said. “Ellen is an All-American. When we don’t face an All-American, we get 11 hits [like on Saturday]. I would give their pitcher credit before I give any criticism to our offense. We did a much better job fighting at the plate. Today we did a really good job fighting, much better than Friday night against Ellen.”
With the offensive numbers still not at their height, Bache and the rest of the pitching staff must continue to buckle down when the offense cannot. The past six games for the Gators have been decided by four or fewer runs, including their second loss of the season where they were shutout for the first time all year.
“I don’t really think about that stuff,” Bache said. “You don’t want to let it get to your head. I try to make everything the same, no matter the score. I always try to pitch like it’s a 0-0 ballgame because the game could change at any second.”
