HOOVER, Ala. – The Gators powered their way past the Vanderbilt Commodores 6-3 in the third round of the SEC Tournament, with all six runs coming by way of the long ball. B.T. Riopelle had a two homer night, giving him three homers in two games this tournament.
Florida starter Brandon Sproat tossed six innings, giving up two earned runs and fanning six. The Commodores got out to an early lead in the first before Sproat settled in and cruised.
Luke Heyman tied the game at one with a blast to dead center field in the bottom of the second. Riopelle stayed hot with another solo shot in the fourth to give the Gators a 2-1 lead.
Cade Fisher took over for Sproat in the seventh and recorded two outs before giving way to Ryan Slater to finish off the inning.
With the game tied at two, Riopelle stepped to the plate and hit a go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the seventh. Josh Rivera, Jac Caglianone and Cade Kurland all came around to score.
Slater earned the win in relief after finishing off the eighth, allowing only one run on a solo shot from Jonathan Vastine. Philip Abner slammed the door in the ninth striking out the side in order to earn the save.
With the win the Gators advanced to the semifinals. The game will take place on May 27th at 1 p.m.