Florida continues to be the kryptonite for the Auburn Tigers. Auburn lost to the Gator's, 6-3 Friday night and is now 1-9 in its last 10 matchups against Florida. Auburn has historically struggled against Florida. The all-time series record favors the Gators, 50-23.
Florida threw its ace Elizabeth Hightower for the second game straight. Hightower is considered to be one of the best pitchers in Gators history. Auburn put up three runs up on her, an impressive feat. Auburn's pitching was not up to its usual standard tonight as Florida smashed the Tigers' pitching.
Florida scored early in the bottom of the first inning. Charla Echols hit a single to bring home Skylar Wallace, a major factor of last night's contest too. Nelia Peralta was feeling herself back home in her home state of Florida. She hit a home run to tie the game in the third inning.
The Gators reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Pal Egan sent a two-run shot into orbit to give Florida a 3-1 lead. Things weren't great, but they were very much manageable for Auburn heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.
Then, things began to unravel. With the bases loaded, Echols made herself known to Tiger fans once again with a two-run double to bring the lead to four. Reagan Walsh was credited with the sacrifice fly to give the Gators a five-run lead.
Peralta wasn't backing down without a fight. She hit another home run, this time a two-run home run in the top of the fifth. It was her second multi-home run game of her career and the first by a Tiger in 2023. She was able to get the contest to 6-3, where the scoring would end.
Even in defeat, coach Mickey Dean was very pleased with Peralta's performance.
“She’s in the leadoff spot for a reason,” Dean said of Peralta. “She’s a student of the game. She’s not the type of hitter that an opponent can throw the same pitcher to on back-to-back days. She, as well as several of our hitters, made great adjustments.”
Annabelle Widra was hit with the loss. She is now 2-3 in her last five starts. It would seem that the SEC stretch has really began taking its toll on the young Michigan transfer.
Relief pitchers Emma Rolfe and veteran Shelby Lowe came in and helped shut down the Gators. Rolfe and Lowe retired nine straight Gators to close the game and give the Tigers a chance in the late innings. It was just a little too late.
Auburn's record falls to 28-12 on the season, and 6-5 in SEC play. Florida, meanwhile, is now 28-9 on the season and 6-5 in SEC play.
The Tigers look to rebound in Saturday’s series finale. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. CST and will air on the SEC Network.
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TP is a senior from Montgomery, Alabama, majoring in journalism. He started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @tp_hammock
