Freshman [autotag]Jac Caglianone[/autotag] has been a sparkplug for Florida baseball since head coach [autotag]Kevin O’Sullivan[/autotag] inserted him into the starting lineup. He has blasted two home runs in three starts, including a solo shot that helped the Gators defeat the Kentucky Wildcats, 9-1, on Saturday at Condron Ballpark.
The Gators’ pitcher [autotag]Brandon Neely[/autotag] pitched a gem versus the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers, allowing only a hit and an earned run in seven innings. He picked up right where he left off versus the Wildcats. Neely went four innings only giving up a walk along with four strikeouts. He could’ve gone deeper into the game if it wasn’t for a two-hour rain delay.
Florida just like it did Friday jumped the Kentucky starter for runs immediately. Left fielder [autotag]Wyatt Langford[/autotag] tripled to begin the game and scored later on a Wildcats’ throwing error. Center fielder [autotag]Jud Fabian[/autotag] then doubled to score right fielder [autotag]Sterlin Thompson[/autotag] to make it 2-0. Catcher [autotag]BT Riopelle[/autotag] followed by singling to center field, driving in Fabian.
Shortstop [autotag]Joshua Rivera [/autotag]kicked off the next inning with a solo shot to deep center. Thompson then drove in third baseman [autotag]Deric Fabian[/autotag] on a double, who got on base via a hit by pitch. Riopelle came up clutch once again later in the inning. He singled again to plate Jud, who was intentionally walked, and Thompson, 7-0.
The Gators scored two more runs following the lengthy rain delay, and Kentucky broke the shutout in the top of the sixth with an RBI double to get to the final score of 9-1.
Florida and Kentucky will return to Condron Ballpark on short rest for the series finale at noon EDT where the Gators will try to claim the series sweep.
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