No. 6 Gators blank No. 7 Ragin’ Cajuns in series opener

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – With multiple runs in its final two at bats, 6th-ranked Florida was able to break free from 7th-ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball for a 6-0 win in the opening game of a three-game weekend series between the two Top 10 programs at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

The Gators (17-2) collected an RBI single in their first at bat, then turned to its defense to preserve the lead until the late-game tallies.

The hosts turned a pair of double plays and worked out of a bases loaded situation when Louisiana (12-5) threatened between the second and fourth innings of a 1-0 contest.

A two-out, RBI single from Sophia Reynoso in the fourth inning gave the Gators added breathing room before two-run frames in the fifth and sixth inning stretched out the lead.

Taylor Roman led the Ragin’ Cajuns at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance. Kendall Talley reached base all three of her plate appearances, being hit by pitch twice and drawing a walk.

Megan Kleist was charged with all six of the Gators’ runs during her 5-1/3 innings in the circle. Katie Chronister, who entered in relief in the fourth inning, picked up the win.

DIAMOND NOTES

Taylor Roman collected her second multiple-hit game of the season, and first since Feb. 15 vs. Samford.
Bailey Curry, who delivered two home runs in the Texas doubleheader, extended her current hitting streak to three games following a single in the third inning.
Raina O’Neal’s single in the fourth inning stretched her hitting streak to four games – the longest active streak on the team.
The Ragin’ Cajuns leadoff batter reached base in four of the seven innings. Kendall Talley did so in both innings that she led off (first and third inning).
The contest marked the third contest against a Top 10 opponent is as many games played this week (stretch began in Tuesday’s doubleheader at Texas).
Florida moved to 4-0 all-time in Gainesville against Louisiana. The Gators reclaimed the overall series lead between the two schools, grabbing hold of a 6-5 edge.

UP NEXT

The Ragin’ Cajuns and Gators return to the field at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium on Saturday for the middle game of the weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. (CST).

Fans can listen to the game on SportsRadio ESPN 1420-AM in the Acadiana region and the ESPN 1420 app worldwide. A live telecast will be carried on SEC Network Plus and is available through WatchESPN.