Bulldogs Look To Continue Hot Hitting Against No. 20 Florida
May 25, 2016 | Softball
The following day, State will close out the series with a 12 p.m. (CT) game. The games can be heard on MSU's radio station, WMSV 91.1 FM and can also be heard live on the station's website, www.wmsv.msstate.edu. Fans can also follow all the action live at www.mstateathletics.com.
Mississippi State leads the all-time series with Florida, 16-12. In Starkville, MSU leads 7-5 while in Gainesville, the Gators lead 7-6. State leads 3-0 when played on a neutral field. Last year, Florida swept a three-game series in Starkville, 7-1, 2-0 and 2-1. UF has outscored the Bulldogs, 101-100, and have won five of the last six meetings.
Freshman Chelsea Bramlett continues to make her mark in her short collegiate career. The Cordova, Tenn. native currently leads the conference in stolen bases with 44, which sets a new MSU single-season record, and also leads in hits with 73. She is also tied for second in runs (50) and seventh with a .401 batting average.
Kelli Miller leads the Bulldogs from the mound with a 15-9 record and a1.86 ERA. In 128.0 innings of work, the senior has struck out 66 batters. Kelsey Nurnberg is 7-3 with a 2.24 ERA and 41 strikeouts in87.1 innings of work. Sara Hickerson currently leads the SEC in saves with nine.
The Gators are coming off a midweek doubleheader sweep of South Carolina. As a team, UF is hitting .257 with 64 doubles and 35 home runs. Florida has also stolen 97 bases in 115 attempts. Offensively, the Gators are led by Kim Waleszonia. The sophomore is hitting .365 with three home runs, 11 doubles, four triples and 25 RBI. She has also scored 40 runs. Ali Gardiner is hitting .308 with nine doubles, 33 RBIand 22 runs.
From the pitching circle, Florida is led primarily by two pitchers. Stacey Nelson leads the team with a 25-11 record and a 0.93 ERA. She also has 28 complete games, while striking out 213 batters. Stacey Stevens is 14-7 with a 2.24 ERA with 109 strikeouts in 156.1 innings. Opponents are hitting just .210 against Gator pitching.
Following this weekend's action, the Bulldogs will close out the regular season at home when they host Arkansas Friday and Saturday, May 4-5.
