Softball Loses to No. 1 Florida

Feb. 17, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The Spartan softball team began a three-game series against Florida on Friday (Feb. 17) with an 8-0 loss to the top team in the nation. MSU held the Gators to only two runs until a five-run fourth inning proved to be the deciding factor in the contest.

In the bottom of the first, a single to the pitcher put Sami Fagan on first, then a ground out advanced her to second. Lauren Haeger singled up the middle and allowed the SEC Freshman of the Week to reach home plate, putting the Gators up 1-0.

The next score for UF came in the third inning. Michelle Moultrie singled up the middle, stole second then advanced to third on an illegal pitch. Haeger popped out, but it was enough for Moultrie score the second run of the game.

The Spartans skidded in the fourth as they allowed the Gators to post five runs. Ensley Gammel started the inning with a double into left field and then Katie Medina was put on first after being hit by a pitch. A sacrifice bunt advanced Gammel to third and Medina to second. The second double of the inning allowed both runners to reach home. Moultrie followed with a triple, then back-to-back homeruns from Haeger and Brittany Schuttle increased the Gator lead to 5-0.

Florida capped the scoring in the bottom of the fifth. With a runner on first, Fagan doubled to right field then advanced to third on the throw, sending the runner home.

Michigan State provided another defensively perfect outing for the evening. The Spartans posted 13 put outs, eight assists with zero errors.

Cassee Layne was the starting pitcher for the Spartans, she faced 21 batters in 3.2 innings. The sophomore allowed six runs on 10 hits. Shelby Wise replaced Layne in the middle of the fifth. Wise was on the mound for .2 innings and allowed two runs and four hits.

Michigan State and Florida face off again tomorrow (Feb. 18) at 1 p.m. (ET) at the Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.