Cahalan Home Run Lifts No. 5/7 Gators Past No. 13/16 Mississippi State

Kenleigh Cahalan's two-run blast in the sixth inning proved to be the difference in the series opener.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:19am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the pivotal home run that lifted the Florida Gators over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in their series opener.Gainesville Today

In a pitchers' duel, Kenleigh Cahalan's two-run home run in the sixth inning lifted the No. 5/7 Florida Gators to a 2-0 victory over the No. 13/16 Mississippi State Bulldogs in the series opener at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Why it matters

This win over a highly ranked conference opponent boosts the Gators' standing in the SEC and keeps them in contention for a top regional seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Keagan Rothrock tossed a complete-game shutout for the Gators, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out four. The Bulldogs threatened early, loading the bases in the first inning, but Rothrock and the Gators defense turned a 5-3-2 double play to escape the jam. Cahalan's two-run shot in the sixth broke up the scoreless tie and proved to be the decisive blow.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Cahalan's home run came with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The players

Kenleigh Cahalan

A junior outfielder for the Florida Gators who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to provide the game-winning runs.

Keagan Rothrock

The starting pitcher for the Florida Gators who tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out four.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

The No. 13/16 ranked softball team that was defeated by the Florida Gators in the series opener.

Florida Gators

The No. 5/7 ranked softball team that defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 2-0 in the series opener.

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What’s next

The two teams will continue their series on Saturday, April 5, 2026 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

The takeaway

This win over a highly ranked conference opponent keeps the Florida Gators in the hunt for a top regional seed in the NCAA Tournament, while the Mississippi State Bulldogs will look to bounce back in the remaining games of the series.