Florida recovered from Friday’s series opening loss to Miami to take two of three and win the series between the two rivals.
The Gators found a lot of success on the mound and in the batter’s box as they topped the Hurricanes 11-3 on Sunday.
Miami gave the Gators numerous opportunities by walking 14 hitters, hitting another, and throwing three wild pitches.
Game Summary:
Florida jumped out to an early lead as each of the first four hitters of the game collected base hits. Jud Fabian got the scoring started with his double down the left field line that plated Colby Halter. Thompson followed by beating the shift with a single through the left side of the infield that scored Fabian. Shortstop Josh Rivera added a sacrifice fly that made it 3-0 before Gators starter Timmy Manning had even thrown a pitch.
Florida added a run in the third when Rivera grounded out to third and scored Jud Fabian.
Miami got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third when Jacob Burke singled to right to score Dominic Pitelli
The Gators escaped a jam in the bottom of the fifth after a pair of one out walks by Manning. Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan made the move to Blake Purnell out of the bullpen and the righty managed to get out of the jam unscathed.
Carrying the momentum into the next inning, Kendrick Calilao crushed a no-doubt homer to left center on the first pitch of the ensuing inning. Wyatt Langford followed three walks with a two-run double to extend the lead to 7-1.
The Gators added a run in the eighth on a wild pitch and three in the ninth when four players walked and Halter was hit by a pitch.
Philip Abner had an opportunity to close out the win, but was wild around the plate. He walked two and gave up a single before being pulled for Ryan Slater.
In total, Miami trotted out ten pitchers in the contest.
Wyatt Langford finished 3-3 with a double, an RBI, and three walks. Jud Fabian walked four times while Deric Fabian walked three more times.
On Deck:
The Gators will face Jacksonville on Tuesday and Wednesday in Gainesville. The Dolphins are 8-3 entering their Sunday matchup with Butler.