After opening up the second game with a leadoff single to right field, Stewart made it on base for her 38th consecutive game, topping UF’s record of 37 set by Michelle Moultrie’s in 2011.
While the Wichita, Kan., sophomore entered UF’s history books in yet another category in her short career, it was not enough to lift No. 4 Florida over No. 2 Tennessee through their doubleheader on Sunday.
The Gators dropped their first game of the series to the Volunteers 5-2 on Friday in Knoxville, Tenn.
A downpour on Saturday forced the Gators and the Volunteers to play a doubleheader on Sunday.
UF hoped to rebound and take the series in the final two games.
It didn’t.
Despite taking the lead in both contests, Florida could not hold on to either in the end, losing to Tennessee 7-6 in Game 1 and 5-2 in Game 2, marking the first time UF was swept in a Southeastern Conference series since dropping three games to Kentucky from April 1, 2011 to April 3, 2011.
As has become a trend in SEC games, Florida (31-7, 5-7 SEC) struggled to find momentum at the plate against Tennessee (31-3, 7-1 SEC), batting .196 in the two games. In Game 1, Florida gained momentum early from Kirsti Merritt. After shortstop Kelsey Stewart hit a leadoff double to start the game, Merritt, batting third in the lineup, opened up scoring with a two-run home run to left field.
After seeing its lead dissipate after surrendering four runs to the Volunteers in two innings, the Gators looked for another surge on offense. For the second time in the game, Merritt delivered.
The Lake Panasoffkee native hit a solo shot to left field to open up the third frame and cut Florida’s deficit to 4-3. Merritt’s long ball sparked a four-run inning for Florida, who scored on a bases loaded walk, a fielder’s choice and a Kelsey Stewart single.
UF held its lead through the fifth inning when play was suspended to start Game 2. Since the second game of the doubleheader was set to be televised on CSS at 1 p.m., Game 1 was put to a stop and continued after the conclusion of the second contest.
Game 2 saw a rematch in the pitching circle from Friday between Florida’s Hannah Rogers and Tennessee’s Ellen Renfroe.
The results were the same.
Renfroe dominated, striking out 11 batters and giving up just two hits — both by Stewart — while pitching her 18th complete game of the year.
Rogers didn’t do as well. The Lake Wales senior gave up eight hits and five runs — all earned — while walking six batters and striking out just three.
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Kelsey Stewart swings during Florida’s 8-0 win against Indiana on Feb. 22, 2014 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
