Florida A&M Defeats Florida Gateway 10-5
The Rattlers overcame an early deficit to secure an exhibition win at Veronica Wiggins Field.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Softball
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Florida A&M rallied from a 4-0 hole to defeat Florida Gateway College 10-5 in a fall exhibition match. The game, which was extended to 10 innings, allowed the team to test bullpen adjustments.
Why it matters
The exhibition provided Florida A&M staff the opportunity to evaluate personnel changes in the bullpen. Players also utilized the live contest to build team chemistry ahead of the upcoming SWAC season.
Florida A&M scored 10 runs across 10 innings, with the game breaking open following a seventh-inning grand slam that moved the score to 6-4. An eighth-inning double added two more runs to the tally.
The players
Trinity Hatcher
She is a key hitter for Florida A&M who provided the deciding grand slam during the exhibition game.
Rhianna Weaver
She is a pitcher for the Rattlers who recorded three consecutive strikeouts in the third inning.
Sariah Espada
She serves as a closer for the Florida A&M softball team.
Amya Ramos
She is a player for Florida A&M who contributed a run-scoring single in the 10th inning.
Braxtyn Battle
She is a player for Florida A&M who scored during the 10th inning of the exhibition match.
The details
Trinity Hatcher hit a pivotal grand slam in the seventh inning to put the Rattlers in the lead, while Amya Ramos added a single in the 10th to score Braxtyn Battle. Pitching adjustments included Rhianna Weaver striking out three consecutive batters in the third inning and Sariah Espada serving as the game closer.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The exhibition game took place at Veronica Wiggins Field.
October 27, 2026: Florida A&M is scheduled to play Northwest Florida State.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game serves as a critical developmental milestone for Florida A&M as they prepare for the rigors of the SWAC softball season. The coaching staff is using these extra innings to finalize their pitching rotation and evaluate depth.
The game was extended to 10 innings to give the coaching staff a longer look at bullpen options. This indicates a focus on developing depth that will determine pitching availability during future conference play.
The takeaway
Using extended exhibition games is a strategic way for teams to refine their rosters before conference play begins. Players who demonstrate consistency in these live situations are more likely to secure permanent roles during the official season.
What happens next
Florida A&M is scheduled to play Northwest Florida State on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Tallahassee Softball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The FAMUAN.
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