Another day, another pair of victories for the Florida softball team.
After run-ruling the University of Alabama at Birmingham 8-0 early in the afternoon, the Gators defeated Stephen F. Austin 6-2 on Friday night to complete a sweep of the first day of the Diamond 9 Citrus Classic tournament in Orlando.
With the victories, Florida improved to a perfect 8-0 in 2016.
“It wasn't our best softball, but I still like what we are doing defensively,” UF coach Tim Walton said in a release. “We're making plays and doing some nice things.”
The matchup with UAB unfolded like many of UF’s contests in this young season.
Junior lefty Delanie Gourley notched her third win of the season in shutting down the Blazers as the Gators’ offense provided an abundance of run support.
Florida jumped on UAB immediately, battering starting pitcher Madison Hir by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first.
Following an opening walk and subsequent single by seniors Kelsey Stewart and Kirsti Merritt, freshman Amanda Lorenz hit a single to drive in the first runs of the game.
After a bases-loaded walk to sophomore Kayli Kvistad stretched the lead to 3-0 later in the inning, senior catcher Aubree Munro picked up an RBI by grounding into a fielder’s choice.
A single by Justine McLean to drive in Nicole DeWitt capped the scoring for the inning.
After its initial barrage, Florida didn’t strike again until the bottom of the fourth.
A two-run home run by sophomore Janell Wheaton — her first of the year — highlighted the three-run inning and secured the victory.
In the nightcap, the Gators fell in an early 2-0 deficit to Stephen F. Austin, the first time all season Florida has trailed an opponent.
Freshman pitcher Kelly Barnhill was shaky from the start, giving up two runs on two hits in just 1.2 innings while also walking and hitting two batters.
However, sophomore righty Aleshia Ocasio — fresh off throwing a no-hitter Wednesday against Jacksonville — was able to pick up the slack, tossing 5.1 shutout innings in relief.
Most of Florida’s run production came in the top of the third, when the Gators were able to rally for five runs with two outs.
A single by Taylor Shwarz that plated Aubree Munro in the fifth capped the scoring for the night.
The Gators next face Omaha and Elon on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.
“Overall, I thought our at bats were good, but we just have to sustain it,” Walton said. “We have to be able carry the things we are doing well from one game to the next.”
Contact Brian Lee at blee@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @brianlee_17.
Janell Wheaton notched a walk-off walk to seal the game for the Gators early Friday morning.
