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Friday, March 29, 2024

Missouri had a knack for taking the lead early against Florida this weekend.

The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Gators in the third inning of the series opener and then extended their lead to 5-0 in the fifth frame before taking the contest 5-3 on Friday.

On Saturday, Missouri took a 4-0 lead before the first out was recorded, but Florida rallied behind Lauren Haeger and Briana Little home runs to even out the series with a 9-4 victory.

Sunday was no different.

With one out in the top of the first and the bases loaded, Tigers shortstop Corrin Genovese hit a grand slam to center field off senior Hannah Rogers.

No. 15 Missouri (38-13, 14-7 Southeastern Conference) would not give up the lead as it took the rubber game of the series against No. 3 Florida (42-10, 12-9 SEC) 5-4 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

“It’s always disappointing to lose, but give credit to a good team,” third baseman Stephanie Tofft said. “They came out ready to win and ready to hit.”

After Genovese hit the grand slam — her fifth home run of the season — the Tigers tacked on their fifth run of the game when designated player Casey Stangel hit a first-pitch, leadoff home run to start the second inning.

None of Florida’s runs came off of its seven hits.

In the third inning, the Gators loaded the bases when Haeger reached on a fielder’s choice and Little and Taylore Fuller drew walks.

Haeger made it home when Missouri pitcher Tori Finucane walked Aubree Munro, Little crossed on a wild pitch and Fuller scored on a passed ball.

UF tacked on its last run when first baseman Taylor Schwarz drew a bases-loaded four-pitch walk.

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“We weren’t able to get any clutch hits,” coach Tim Walton said. “We had some good at-bats, but just not any of the big hits to get the RBIs.”

Added Tofft: “I think we made adjustments later in the game. Obviously we came back a little bit but it wasn’t quite enough. We put up a really good fight.”

Finucane, who earned the win in the series opener after striking out six batters and surrendering just four hits, grabbed her 19th win of the season after fanning 10 UF batters and throwing 181 pitches — 120 of which were strikes.

Despite allowing just two hits after giving up the two home runs, Rogers suffered her eighth loss of the season. The senior right-hander struck out just one batter while giving up six hits and five earned runs.

“She settled down and I thought she made some good pitches late when she had to,” Walton said. “She’s got good stuff. It’s just a couple little things here and there that got (Missouri) going.”

Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126

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