Photo courtesy, UF University Athletic Association

Florida Gators Baseball Clinches Series Over Arkansas

Florida Gators Baseball takes the series over the Arkansas Razorbacks this afternoon with a 9-7 final score. The Gators topped the Razorbacks with 13 hits against their eight hits. Florida now moves to 5-7 in the SEC.

At the Plate

The Gators got the scoring started in the third inning giving themselves a solid early lead. Wyatt Langford singled up the middle for an RBI that brought Colby Halter in. Then, BT Riopelle homered to centerfield for three RBI and to put the score at 4-0.

Although, Arkansas did take the top of the fourth to respond in equal measure. The Razorbacks rallied with two outs on the board by getting the bases loaded up. The scoreboard was tied at 4-4 heading into the bottom frame.

The Gators broke up the tie with a massive at-bat from Langford who homered to centerfield to bring in two of his teammates and put the Gators in the lead 7-4.

Arkansas put their bats to work to close the gap. Two unearned runs from the Razorbacks brought the score to 7-6. Then, Arkansas put another run on the board to even the score yet again from a homerun in the eighth.

The Gators opportunities to clinch the series were dwindling and the next at-bats needed to make an impact. Deric Fabian did just that with a sacrifice fly to bring in a run by Josh Rivera. Then, to finish up their scoring Jud Fabian singled to left field for one last RBI.

On the Mound

The game came down to the top of the ninth to close out Arkansas and clinch the series. Blake Purnell took the closer role when he entered the mound with the last inning and a half to go. Purnell struck out his first batter in the ninth. Then, an out a first and a caught fly ball gave the Gators the win.

Starting on the mound was Brandon Neely who struck out four batters and allowed five hits in his 3.2 innings of work. Then, Ryan Slater retired three batters of his own.

Up Next

The Gators will travel to Florida State Tuesday for a 7 p.m. game.

About Parker Welch

Parker Welch is a Senior at the University of Florida majoring in Sports Media at the College of Journalism & Communications.

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