With no outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning, the Georgia softball team had a chance to advance to the SEC semifinals. Less than 10 pitches later, the Bulldogs’ run in the SEC Tournament came to a cruel end.
Georgia was eliminated early Friday morning, losing 9-4 to second-seeded Florida at Jane B. Moore Field. The Bulldogs are currently awaiting seeding for the NCAA Tournament, which will be announced during Sunday’s selection show.
During the short tournament, the Bulldogs struggled offensively. The seventh inning with the bases loaded highlighted his struggles. Georgia defeated Florida 9-8, but left six runners on base throughout the game. The Bulldogs went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Georgia’s pitching staff was exhausted against the Gators after a tough 14-inning battle against Auburn on Wednesday night. Lily Bucks started and allowed two runs in four innings. After Madison Karpix recorded only an out in relief, the Bucs returned to the game, giving up three runs in 1.2 innings remaining.
The ball continued to fly from Jane B. Moore Field all day long, with 11 of the 13 total points coming from long balls. However, the Bulldogs, who lead the SEC in home runs, were unable to take advantage of that.
Florida quickly picked up steam in the top of the first inning, hitting a two-run homer off the bat of reigning SEC Player of the Year Skylar Wallace, putting Georgia on an early lead. The Bulldogs kept the Gators at bay until Emily Digby tied it with her own two runs in the top of the fifth inning.
After scoring four runs in the fifth inning to give Florida a 6-2 lead, back-to-back performances from Jada Carney and Sarah Mosley cut the Gators’ lead to two. Florida then struck back with three runs of its own in the sixth inning.
Georgia, trailing by 5 points, started the top of the 7th inning with a rousing attack. He was the main base hitter for the Bulldogs with a double, a walk and a single. However, Georgia expanded the strike zone and recorded three consecutive outs to end the game.
After being eliminated from the SEC Tournament, the Bulldogs are currently awaiting seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Most predict Georgia will host the regional tournament, which will be held from May 16th to May 19th. Pairings will be announced Sunday at 7 p.m.
