[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Riley’s huge double proved to be the X-factor of the day
They did it! After Florida forced a rubber match this afternoon, the Cats responded with a convincing 5-1 victory to obtain their second series victory over the Gators in as many seasons. Chanda Bell absolutely worked the Gators as she struck out 13 batters in her complete game victory. Bell’s 13 K’s were the second most pitched against Florida all year and the most she has hurled in an SEC game this year. The Cats’ margin of victory over the Gators gave Florida their largest margin of loss this season. As you can tell, this game meant a lot. The game not only meant a lot in terms of stats, it secured the Cats their record breaking 4th consecutive SEC tournament bid.
The game was knotted at one a piece going into the top of the sixth inning but Rachel Riley had her mind made up. After Brittany Cervantes had knocked in one run for the Cats off an RBI single, Riley hit a base clearing double to bring home all 3 runners. Bell sealed the deal in the bottom of the seventh with three consecutive outs to give UK a HUGE series win. This will go a long way for the Cats’ at large status in the NCAA tournament. Florida is a national powerhouse who very rarely suffers series losses.
(26-27, 12-13 SEC) 5 
(43-8, 20-5 SEC) 1
Pitching: Chanda Bell moves to 14-10 after the win. Her 13 strikeouts were the difference maker as she kept the explosive Gators at bay.
Batting: Kentucky tallied 9 hits in the game compared to Florida’s 7. Kara Dill went 2-for-3, and Alice O’Brien hit 3-for-3. Rachel Riley’s base clearing double and Brittany Cervantes’ RBI were huge in the sixth inning.
Errors: Kentucky: 0…. Florida: 1
Game Notes: Start time: 12:05 pm…. Duration: 2:05…. Attendance: 1058…. Weather: 86 degrees and Sunny 
The Cats return home this weekend for a 3 game set against the #23 ranked LSU Tigers. First pitch is Friday at 6. 
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April 29th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Huge series win, keeps their postseason hopes alive. Probably going to need to sweep LSU at home and make a strong run in the SEC tournament to make the post season, if not win it outright.
April 29th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Nice win, this is huge as Florida hasn’t lost a series the entire year, and at home too! Really makes you look at last weeks sweep to MSU and scratch your head..
April 29th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Clinching a bid to the SEC Tourny is huge, especially against a team like Florida. Hopefully this gives them the confidence they need to make a run in the postseason.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
So proud, that’s awesome.