Artemis II launch steals the show at college softball game as players stare skyward in amazement

Artemis II Launch Pauses Florida-Stetson Softball Game

The Artemis II rocket launch interrupted a college softball game in Florida on Wednesday night, as players from Florida and Stetson paused to watch the liftoff. Utility player Madison Walker of the Florida Gators pointed skyward, while Stetson freshman Gaby Bauer stood at home plate in awe. The rocket rose from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B just before 7 p.m., visible from Patricia Wilson Field in DeLand, about an hour's drive away.

The mission marks NASA's first crewed lunar voyage in more than 50 years, carrying commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day flight. The crew will fly past the moon at a distance of about 4,000 miles before returning to Earth. No. 7 seed Florida defeated in-state rival Stetson 8-2 after the excitement subsided.

The victory extended Florida's dominance over Stetson to 14 straight wins dating to 2006.

The game formed part of the teams' regular-season schedule.