The Liberty Flames stunned the Orange and Blue Saturday, knocking them off 6-4 at Florida Ballpark to tie the series heading into the rubber match Sunday. The Gators struggled mightily on the mound as their pitchers allowed six walks and hit five batters, which led to six runs.
It was a sour performance after ace Hunter Barco threw six hitless innings and a career-high 11 strikeouts while his bullpen only allowed two runs. Their performance kept the pressure off the Gators’ bats as they exploded toward a 7-2 victory.
Earlier this week, coach Kevin O’Sullivan caught a lot of Florida fans and media members by surprise when he named left-hander Timmy Manning, who held a 6.6 ERA in 15 innings pitched last season, the Saturday starter over the right-handed Brandon Sproat. His decision didn’t pay off as he only lasted three innings while allowing four earned runs, five hits, two walks and a hit by pitch.
But Sproat didn’t fare much better with his command, either, after he replaced Manning. He gave up two walks and an earned run in only two innings.
Florida found a way to shorten Liberty’s lead in the third. Second baseman Colby Halter sent a double down the right-field line that scored catcher BT Riopelle to make it 4-1.
The Gators quickly filled the bases again the following inning. Third baseman Deric Fabian earned the walk that scored designated hitter Khris Armstrong. Then center fielder Jud Fabian tied the game when he drilled the ball off the right-center-field wall, scoring Riopelle and his little brother.
Liberty reclaimed the lead immediately in the top of the fifth. Second baseman Cameron Foster doubled down the right-field line and drove in his teammate Stephen Hill who reached base via a lead-off walk.
In the eighth, the Flames increased their lead once more to 6-4 after a hit by pitch and a walk via a sacrifice fly
Florida attempted one last rally when Deric led off the ninth inning with a hit by pitch, but the lineup behind him couldn’t keep the momentum going, leading to a 6-4 loss.
Jud led the way offensively, going 1-5 with a double and two RBIs. Halter also added a double and an RBI while Armstrong tallied another two-bagger.
The Gators will try to take the series Sunday when the two teams play one more time at noon and can be seen on SEC Network+.
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