Florida takes series opener against Kentucky

A big sixth inning propelled Florida to a series-opening win on the road against Kentucky Thursday night.

Florida’s baseball team is in Kentucky for the final weekend series of the season. The Gators beat the Wildcats, 10-3, thanks to a five-run sixth inning that carried over into the seventh for some insurance runs.

Cade Kurland and Wyatt Langford each hit safely three times and scored three runs, setting up easy RBI opportunities for the middle of the order. BT Riopelle came through with four runs batted in, and Josh Rivera drove in a pair. Langford also had two RBIs.

Hurston Waldrep got an unusual Thursday night start for the Gators, but it makes more sense after remembering that his Saturday start last week got rained out after just a half inning.

Waldrep returned to form after a few tough outings over the last couple of weeks. He struck out six and gave up just three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks over six innings.

Ryan Slater closed out the game with a three-inning save, leaving Brandon Neely available for the rest of the weekend. On the flip side of that coin, Kentucky went through five relievers after starter Travis Smith left the game in the sixth.

At least two of those arms threw enough of pitches to miss tomorrow’s game, but the other stayed under 10.

Florida is still one game behind Arkansas for the top spot in the conference. The Razorbacks beat Vanderbilt, 8-2, in the series opener, so Florida has to win again tomorrow to have a chance.

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