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Backes leads Bulldogs past Gators, force Game 3 after 2-1 win

Grace Johnsonby: Grace Johnson05/24/25
Screenshot 2025-05-24 at 10.53.40 AM
Photo Courtesy of UGA Athletics

Facing elimination with its back against the wall, Georgia survived 2-1 over Florida behind the steady arm of Lilli Backes. 

Backes delivered 6.1 strong innings and eight strikeouts. Working well under pressure against a Florida offense that can explode at any moment. The lefty held the Gators to one hit in 15 at-bats with runners in scoring position.

The Gators loaded the bases with one out in the first inning thanks to a speedy infield single from Kendra Falby and two walks. But Backes escaped the jam with back-to-back Mia Williams and Ava Brown strikeouts.

In the first two innings, Lyndi Rae Davis and Emily Digby each launched a solo home run off Keagan Rothrock, giving the Bulldogs a  2-0 lead. Davis finished 1-for-2, and Digby went 2-for-3. 

Rothrock, dominant in the Super Regional opener, struggled in her second appearance. The Bulldogs timed her well, chasing her after just one inning. Despite the early blasts, Georgia managed only five more baserunners the rest of the way, and Florida’s defense held strong.

One standout defensive moment came in the third inning. Taylor Shumaker fielded a ball and relayed it to Williams, who fired a perfect throw home. Jocelyn Erickson made a stunning behind-the-back tag to cut down a runner and keep a run off the board.

The Gators loaded the bases again in the fifth with one out. Korbe Ortis hit a deep sac-fly to cut the lead in half, 2-1, but Backes limited the damage. 

In the seventh, Reagan Walsh led off with a sharp line drive that struck Backes in the shoulder. The misplay on the ensuing throw allowed Walsh, the tying run, to reach second. After walking the next batter, Backes faced another test—but responded by striking out Brown to end her outing.

Head coach Tony Baldwin then handed the ball to Randi Roelling, who shut the door with two pop-ups to force a decisive game three.

Backes repeatedly navigated high-pressure situations, working out of two bases-loaded jams. Florida couldn’t capitalize, leaving 13 runners stranded. Key bats stayed quiet—Shumaker went 0-for-4, while Erickson went 0-for-3 with a walk.

The Gators and Bulldogs will battle for one ticket to Oklahoma City in Sunday’s winner-take-all matchup.

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