Florida softball takes down Alabama, advances to face Oklahoma in WCWS semifinals
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Florida defeated Alabama in an elimination game 6-4 on Sunday evening in Oklahoma City.
The game was close for most of the night, but Florida was able to separate with a 3-run home run by SEC Player of the Year Jocelyn Erickson in the 6th inning. That blast made it 6-2 and the Gators were able to hold on despite an Alabama rally in the bottom half of the 6th.
Here’s video of Erickson’s blast:
Absolutely crushed
Three-run homer from @joceyerickson!
ESPN2 | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/xADzY6kKB6
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) June 2, 2024
Keagan Rothrock pitched all 7 innings for Florida in the win over Alabama. She scattered 7 hits, 1 walk and 3 earned runs (1 unearned) while striking out 5 batters. It was another impressive performance for a freshman who has been the ace of this staff all season.
Florida’s reward is a matchup against Oklahoma in the semifinals of the Women’s College World Series on Monday. The Gators would have to defeat Oklahoma twice on Monday in order to reach the championship series.
Oklahoma has won the last 3 national championships and will presumably be a big betting favorite over the Gators on Monday afternoon. If you want to bet on that game, here’s a breakdown of the best apps to bet on sports to help you get started.
For Erickson, the matchup against Oklahoma will be a full-circle moment. As a freshman, she was a member of OU’s 2023 national championship team and played a key role as a utility player. With longtime catcher Kinzie Hansen set to return for the 2024 season, Erickson transferred to Florida where she has flourished in the starting role this spring.
First pitch of Florida’s matchup vs. Oklahoma is set for 12 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
