Cullop delivers walk-off to keep state tourney hopes alive

Cullop delivers walk-off to keep state tourney hopes alive

OCALA--Sophomore centerfielder Kelsee Cullop delivers a walk-off grounder in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead CF past Northwest Florida State College in an elimination match up to keep CF's state tournament hopes alive. 

CF opened up day two against FCSAA No. 2/ NJCAA No. 4 Florida Southwestern. The Bucs took advantage of three CF errors to defeat the Patriots 5-2.

Shortstop Caeley Nix (1-for-4) drove in CF's two runs.  In the circle, Shayne O'Connell didn't allow an earned run on one hit in 2.1 innings of work before giving way to Morgan Cushman. Cushman allowed two earned runs on four hits in 4.2 innings. 

The loss sent the Patriots into the loser's bracket, setting up an elimination game against NWF.

The back-and-forth affair ended 8-8 after seven innings, sending it into extras. In the bottom of the ninth, Karli Woolington led off with a single to left field. A batter later, Jenna Rodelo laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Woolington to second and Melinda Rule followed with a bunt single to set up runners on the corners with one out and Cullop due up. Cullop hops on the first pitch to deliver the walk-off grounder to shortstop to end the game. 

CF will now face Chipola tomorrow at 10 a.m., setting up a rematch from Day 1 when the Patriots defeated the Indians 1-0. 

It is do or die.

Winner moves on to face the loser of FSW/Seminole State game at Noon and loser goes home.