Florida Gators
35-4, 0
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Mississippi State
32-8, 0
Cahalan Home Run Lifts No. 5/7 Gators Past No. 13/16 Mississippi State In Series Opener
Friday, April 3, 2026 | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kenleigh Cahalan's two-run home run proved to be the difference in No. 5/7 Florida's 2-0 series-opening win over No. 13/16 Mississippi State on Friday evening at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
Cahalan's shot to center field was the Gators' sole hit of the night, her 14th home run of the season and fourth in conference play.
In the circle, Keagan Rothrock (18-4) tossed her second complete-game shutout in Southeastern Conference play, allowing just five hits scattered over seven innings with four strikeouts.
She also limited her free passes, allowing just one walk.
The Bulldogs opened the game with a leadoff double, before loading the bases on a fielder's choice and a walk.
Rothrock and the Gators were able to get out of the jam, turning a 5-2-3 double play to get out of the inning.
In a scoreless game with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Jocelyn Erickson drew a four-pitch walk, before Cahalan sent a ball to centerfield to put Florida ahead, 2-0.
Despite the Bulldogs responding with a leadoff single to open the seventh, Rothrock was able to retire the next three batters to seal the victory.
Florida will look to clinch the series on Saturday with a rescheduled game time of 1 p.m., which will now be streamed on SEC Network+.
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Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Rothrock, Keagan (18-4)
L: Peja Goold (13-5)
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Batting:
2B: Kiarra Sells 1
Batting:
HR: Cahalan, Kenleigh 1
RBI: Cahalan, Kenleigh 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Erickson, Jocelyn 1 ; Cahalan, Kenleigh 1
