Florida traveled to Coral Gables to take on their hated rivals in Miami, but failed to overcome mistakes en route to a 5-2 loss.
The Gators struggled with runners on base going 2-9 while leaving twelve. Additionally, in four separate innings the Gators left multiple runners on base.
Instead, Miami capitalized on Florida’s mistakes. Josh Rivera was picked off first base to end the top half of the fourth and Miami seized momentum with a two-run homer by Yohandy Morales in the bottom of the inning.
An inning later, the Hurricanes added two more runs. Morales’ double made it a 4-0 game.
Florida got back a pair in the seventh thanks to RBI singles from Sterlin Thompson and Wyatt Langford, but much like last year, gave up momentum in allowing Miami to plate one in the home half of the inning.
The Gators managed to get the leadoff hitter on in the eighth as Kendrick Calilao singled, but his teammates went down in order to end the threat.
Individual Stats:
- Barco: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
- Thompson: 2-5, RBI
On Deck:
Florida will continue the series against Miami on Saturday. The start time has been moved up to 6 PM. Brandon Sproat will get the start on the mound for the Gators.