The Florida baseball team defeated SEC East foe Georgia 3-2 Saturday afternoon in game one of a three game series. The Gators followed the win with another victory later that night by an 8-1 score.
Freshman ace Logan Shore opened up Game One on the mound for the Orange and Blue. It wasn’t Shore’s best outing, but the righty did just enough to earn himself and the Gators a win. Shore gave up two runs but lefty Bobby Poyner was great in relief, throwing four innings of shutout ball.
Poyner knows he played an important role in the game.
“I just try and come in and hold his win. You never want to give up somebody else’s win. Together we’ve just done a good job. I just try to locate the ball down, in and out. That’s all I really think about. He’s (Logan) a really competitive guy. I even thought he threw the ball well at South Carolina. He’s always competitive and you know he’s always going to give you his best effort. There’s nights that he has his best stuff and nights that he doesn’t. He still gave us a chance to win a 3-2 game. That’s all you can ask for.”
Offensively, Florida did just enough to earn a W. With the game tied in the fifth, John Sternagel delivered a homer run on a 1-0 pitch to give the Gators the lead.
Game Two was a different story for Florida. The Gators jumped out early Saturday night, reaching the scoreboard first with two runs in the third. They extended their lead with a six run inning in the fourth, taking advantage of a bases loaded no out situation.
Starter Aaron Rhodes picked up the win for Florida, lasting 5.1 innings only giving up one run on seven hits.
Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan was pleased with the pitching performances.
“Any time you can win two games in one day, you have to feel good about it. I thought Aaron (Rhodes) gave us a good start. Kirby Snead did a really nice job at the end. That’s probably as good as Dane Dunning has thrown. That’s the Dane we saw in the preseason and the fall, so I think he’s heading in the right direction.”
After the six run fourth inning the Gators were able put the game on cruise control, defeating the Bulldogs 8-1. Florida now improves to an impressive 8-0 against rivals FSU, LSU, and Georgia.
Kevin O’Sullivan and his squad can complete the sweep of Georgia tomorrow at noon. Listen to Country 103-7 The Gator where Jeff Cardozo and Mick Hubert will have the call.
Sound from the game can be heard below.
Bobby Poyner (On Logan Shore’s Start)