No. 13 Mississippi State Shuts Out No. 5 Florida but Loses in Pitching Duel

Gainesville, Fla. — No. 13 Mississippi State limited No. 5 Florida to one hit but fell 2-0 in a pitching duel Friday night. The Gators’ only hit was a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Peja Goold kept Florida’s potent offense in check, allowing just one hit and striking out three in her 10th complete game of the season, according to the school. The only hit came with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised Goold’s performance, saying she was attacking and mixing speeds but made one mistake that the Gators capitalized on.

Offensively, Mississippi State (32-8, 4-6 SEC) was led by Anna Carder, who had two hits. Kiarra Sells opened the game with her 11th double of the year. The Bulldogs’ best scoring chance came in the first inning with bases loaded and one out, but Florida turned a double play to escape the jam.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jocelyn Erickson drew a walk, and Kenleigh Cahalan hit a two-run homer to center field, providing the decisive runs for Florida. The Bulldogs threatened in the first inning but couldn’t capitalize, and the game remained scoreless until the home run.

Mississippi State’s next game is scheduled for Saturday at noon CT, with the contest moving due to a lightning delay. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Florida’s Keagan Rothrock earned the win, improving to 18-4, while Goold fell to 13-5. Cahalan led Florida with one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.

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