Florida Softball: Gators prevail with a grand ending against USF

Coming off a crucial series win over Georgia, and having an equally massive series with Tennessee on the horizon, last night’s contest against USF had all the ingredients for a trap game for Florida softball. And for six innings, that trap was ready to spring.

But the Gators escaped with a walk-off in grand fashion to keep their hopes of hosting an NCAA Regional round alive.

Florida Softball: Grand Salami

After the first inning, it didn’t seem like USF would cause too much stress for the Gators. Reagan Walsh hit a two-run homer, and Florida led 2-0. Even after USF got one back in the second inning, Skylar Wallace drove home Sam Roe to reestablish the two-run lead.

But from there, Florida couldn’t find the hit to break the game open. The Gators left two runners on in the fourth, the bases loaded in the fifth, and Avery Golez on second base in the sixth.

Along the way, USF hit a two-run home run to tie the game up at three, and the two teams entered the seventh inning tied 3-3.

Rylee Trlicek took over for Elizabeth Hightower on the mound in the sixth inning and pitched two scoreless innings to set up the bottom of the seventh for Florida.

Walsh singled, Pal Egan walked, and after a sacrifice bunt, Sarah Longley walked to load the bases for Emily Wilkie.

Wilkie grounded out in the fifth with the bases loaded, but she made no mistake given her second chance. She took the 2-0 pitch over the left field fence to walk it off with a grand slam and help the Gators survive the upset.

As we have chronicled here at Hail Florida Hail, consistency has been the downfall of Florida softball this season. But last night the Gators were able to overcome their struggles. The win keeps Florida moving forward heading into their weekend series against Tennessee and next week’s mid-week game against FSU.