The top ranked Florida baseball team loses a rare home series after losing to Mississippi State 2-1 on Sunday. The Bulldogs take two of three in the series and hand Florida its first home SEC series loss since April of last season against Kentucky. Florida is now 29-5 on the season and 8-4 in conference play.
Dane Dunning got the start on the mound for Florida. Lefty AJ Puk was scheduled but he was held out of his second straight start because of soreness in his back. Dunning pitched into the sixth inning with four strikeouts in an effective start. Dunning gave up a homer in the fifth and after was relieved in the sixth inning first by Kirby Snead and then by righty Brady Singer.
Singer got out of the inning with help from first baseman Pete Alonso, who jumped high to snag a potentially errant throw on a grounder to the infield. in the seventh, the Bulldogs plated a run would hold the bulldogs in the 6th with some help from defense. Peter Alonso would jump up at a over thrown ball getting the out to end the inning. I
In the seventh inning, a double and a near home run which after review ended up being a double gave the Bulldogs runners at second and third. Shaun Anderson relieved Singer and gave up a walk and an RBI hit but then left the bases loaded after two strikeouts and an infield fly.
Peter Alonso believes Anderson was a big key in keeping the Gators in the game.
Anderson would go on to pitch three innings in the game, giving up no runs. However, despite numerous chances, the Gator offense could not get on the board until a two out solo homer by Alonso in the ninth inning. The Gators would leave 13 runners stranded in the game.
Up Next, the Gators will take on Florida State in Tallahassee on Tuesday, trying to sweep the season series. Despite the loss, junior pitcher Shaun Anderson believes the Gators will be ready for the Seminoles.
First pitch is set for 6pm and you can hear live coverage on ESPN Gainesville 95.3.