The Florida Gators defeated Texas Tech 7-1 in an elimination game, forcing a winner-take-all championship game on Monday at noon. Jac Caglianone hit an RBI single to spark a four-run outburst in the sixth inning, following a base-running disaster for the Gators. The team’s two starting pitchers, Hurston Waldrep and Cade Fisher, struck out 18 batters and allowed only 10 hits in 14 innings, with a 1.29 ERA. Freshman left-hander Fisher made a clutch outing after making 20 previous appearances for the Gators. The championship game will take place on Monday at noon.
The Florida Gators baseball team kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive with a 7-1 victory over Texas Tech in the Gainesville Regional on Sunday night. The win sets up a winner-take-all championship game on Monday at noon.
After a scoreless five innings, the Gators broke the game open with a four-run outburst in the sixth inning. Jac Caglianone got the scoring started with an RBI single to right field, which was followed by an RBI double from Kris Armstrong. Colby Halter then drove in two more runs with a single to right field.
The Gators’ pitching staff was dominant, as they combined for 18 strikeouts in 14 innings of work. Hurston Waldrep started the first game of the day against UConn and struck out 10 batters in six innings, while Cade Fisher struck out eight batters in eight innings against Texas Tech.
Fisher, a freshman left-hander, was particularly impressive in his outing. He allowed just one run on six hits and did not walk a batter. Fisher has been a key contributor out of the bullpen for the Gators this season, but he stepped up in a big way with the season on the line.
The Gators will now turn their attention to the championship game on Monday, where they will face Texas Tech for the second time in as many days. The Red Raiders defeated the Gators 5-4 on Saturday night, but the Gators were able to exact revenge with their convincing victory on Sunday.
The winner of Monday’s game will advance to the Super Regionals, where they will face the winner of the Lubbock Regional. The Gators will be hoping to continue their postseason run and make a return trip to the College World Series, where they last appeared in 2021.
To draw things to a close, it was a strong day for the Gators baseball team, as they bounced back from a tough loss to Texas Tech on Saturday night to win two elimination games on Sunday. With their season on the line, the Gators showed resilience and determination to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
Fans can catch all the action of Monday’s championship game on ESPN2 or on the ESPN app. The Gators will be looking to continue their hot streak and secure a spot in the Super Regionals. It promises to be an exciting game, as both teams will be fighting for their postseason lives.
