Final: Florida 3, Florida State 2 (10)
In the bottom of the seventh Kendrick Calilao came on to pinch hit for starting right fielder Sterlin Thompson and struck out after a six pitch at bat. Calilao, however, would prove head coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s move right in the tenth inning as he blasted a walk-off homer to the berm in left, sinking the Seminoles 3-2.
How It Happened:
The Gators got on the scoreboard early, plating a pair of runs in the second inning on two sacrifice flys from Jordan Butler and Colby Halter.
The Seminoles would return the favor and score two runs in the fourth inning after an RBI double by Robby Martin and an RBI groundout by Wyatt Crowell.
The pitching was the main story. The two teams combined for just seven hits, including the game winning homer.
Florida starting pitcher Garrett Milchin bounced back from a rough outing in the first meeting with Florida State and pitched a career high six innings while allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned). He then turned it over to Jack Leftwich, who tossed four innings in relief and earned his fifth win of the season. Leftwich struck out seven while walking just one without allowing a base hit. The righty’s heroics on the mound directly led to Calilao’s heroics to end the game.
While there was a lot of positive to take away on the mound, the concerns regarding situational hitting remains. Florida went 0-15 with runners on base. They team also committed two errors, with one directly leading to the Seminoles’ second run. (Florida State committed five errors).
Pitching Decision:
- W: Leftwich (5-2)
- L: Kwiatkowski (1-2)
Individual Stats:
- Calilao: 1-2, HR, RBI
- Hickey: 2-5, 2B
- Halter: 1-3, RBI
- Milchin: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 K, BB
- Leftwich: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 7 K, BB
On Deck:
The Gators return to SEC play this weekend with a home series against the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers are 11-19 overall and 4-8 in SEC play. Last weekend they dropped two of three at South Carolina. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 5:30 PM.