Kayli Kvistad's sixth-inning single led to the only run of the game.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In a matchup of two of the top teams in the country, it was third-ranked Florida (29-2, 2-2 SEC) that edged out fifth-ranked Alabama (21-6, 5-2 SEC) 1-0 in a pitcher's duel to open the three-game series. The second game of Saturday's doubleheader was suspended in the top of the fifth inning and will resume on Monday, March 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Game 1 starters Alexis Osorio and Lauren Haeger went toe-to-toe, each with excellent outings in the circle, but it was ultimately a fielding error that decided the difference in the game.
Alabama’s Osorio allowed just the one unearned run as she was otherwise stellar in the circle, striking out seven while allowing just six hits, five of which were singles. Florida's Lauren Haeger (13-0) matched Osorio's effort, shutting out a potent Tide offense with just four hits allowed. Two of Alabama's four hits came courtesy of Andrea Hawkins, marking her first multi-hit game of the season.
The two teams were locked in a pitcher's duel for the first five innings as they could only muster a combined seven hits. A two-out base hit up the middle in the top of the sixth looked to load the bases for Florida, but a fielding error gave the Gator runner at third time to score as they broke into the run column first. A strikeout limited the damage though, as Florida couldn't add to the one-run lead.
Florida failed to add any insurance in the top of the seventh either, giving the Tide just a one-run deficit to overcome in the bottom half. However, the offense could not put together a late rally, going down in order as the Gators edged out the Tide 1-0.
Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader was halted in the top of the fifth inning because of heavy rain. When the game resumes, Alabama will have a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth.
