The Aggie softball team (43-17) couldn't hold on to a late lead against the Florida Gators and lost, 5-4, in the first game of the Gainesville Super Regional. In the final inning of the game, the Gators tacked on two runs via bases-loaded walks to ultimately beat the Aggies.
The Aggies jumped on the scoreboard first in the top of the third inning. After the Aggies loaded the bases on three walks, Sarah Hudek put them on the board with a two-run single, scoring Erica Russell and Kylie George. Later in the inning, Samantha Show raced home and scored on a passed ball, putting A&M ahead by three.
The Gators answered in the bottom of the third. After Sophia Reynoso worked a walk, Amanda Lorenez doubled her teammate home.
A&M grabbed another run in the top of the fourth, extending its lead as Alderink smashed a pitch to deep right field for a solo home run.
Florida’s offense kept rolling in the bottom of the frame. Jaimie Hoover got things started with a single back up the middle and then took second on a passed ball. A few batters later, Janell Wheaton plated her teammate with an RBI-single to left field.
Amanda Lorenz launched a solo home run to right field to put Florida within one. A few defensive miscues and walks later, Florida tied the game at four runs apiece and ultimately grabbed the win.
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In the final frame, the Gator offense put pressure on the Aggies. Amanda Lorenz launched a solo home run to right field to put Florida within one. A few defensive miscues and walks later, Florida tied the game at four runs apiece and ultimately grabbed the win.
Trinity Harrington (13-6, 1.82 ERA) started in the circle for A&M and pitched well until the seventh inning, working six and two-thirds innings while giving up four runs, three of them earned. She pitched to her defense behind her, inducing ground balls and even getting a double play to end the fifth inning. Her struggles came in the final inning when she gave up a solo shot and an RBI-walk before being pulled and replaced by Payton McBride with the bases loaded and two away. Harrington had thrown 151 pitches before being pulled.
McBride surrendered the final run on a walk with the bases loaded. The Aggies had two separate chances to end the game, but defensive miscues by Kristen Cuyos and Katilyn Alderink kept the Gator’s hopes alive.
A&M will return to the diamond tomorrow in a must-win game as it squares off against Florida in the second game of the Super Regional. First pitch is set for 6 p.m., and the game can be seen on ESPN.
