In a disappointing start to their season, the Florida Gators baseball team fell short against St. John’s in a 9-5 loss on Friday night at Condron Family Ballpark.
The Gators struggled to contain St. John’s offense, allowing crucial runs early in the game. Florida starter Cade Fisher (0-1) struggled to get ahead of hitters and paid for it when his pitches caught too much of the strike zone. Fisher lasted just two innings but was tagged with six runs (five earned). Before three innings were complete, the Gators found themselves down 7-0.
Despite a rally that saw the Gators close the gap to just two runs, the Red Storm added a pair of runs in the eighth inning to complete the victory.
For Florida, sophomore transfer Colby Shelton provided the highlight of the night in the fifth inning, crushing a ball over the berm in right (400 feet) to cut the deficit to 7-5.
St. John’s capitalized on their opportunities, tallying eleven hits throughout the game. Seven of those hits occurred in the first three innings.
Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan expressed disappointment at the eight free passes his pitchers allowed, but was complimentary about his offense, which plated five runs and collected ten hits.
Shelton finished the game 2-4 with his solo shot. Additionally, Michael Robertson (2-4), Jac Caglianone (2-4), and Dale Thomas (2-3) recorded multiple hits.
Florida and St. John’s are scheduled to meet Saturday at 10:00 AM. The two teams were originally scheduled to play at 4:00 PM, but weather in Gainesville isn’t looking favorable for that timeframe.
ChompTalk.com 
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