It was a rollercoaster of a first game for Florida in Omaha, but the Gators came out on top against the Virginia Cavaliers, 6-5, and are headed to the winner’s bracket thanks to a walk-off sacrifice fly from Luke Heyman.
The Gators scored five runs across the final three innings, including three in the bottom of the ninth to earn an important win in the opening round of the College World Series. Now Florida plays on Sunday without the threat of elimination staring it in the face.
BT Riopelle was the offensive leader of the day, going 2 for 3 with a two-run home run and double. Wyatt Langford and Ty Evans also homered, while Cade Kurland and Colby Halter each contributed an RBI.
Brandon Sproat lasted 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on five hits and three walks. Sproat looked really good through six but broke down as his pitch count elevated in the seventh. Cade Fisher and Brandon Neely pitched in relief.
Below is an inning-by-inning breakdown of the game, including video highlights.
Florida will face Oral Roberts on Sunday at 7 p.m. EDT. The game will be televised on ESPN.