Florida infielder Ethan Surowiec produced his best performance as a Gator, setting a single-game high in hits and total bases (nine) while going 4-for-5 with one homer, two doubles and three runs scored. [Matthew Lewis/WRUF]

Florida Baseball Takes Series at No. 4 Arkansas

Florida held off a late rally from No. 4 Arkansas to secure a 7-6 win Sunday in sweeping the series, the Gators’ first series victory and sweep in Fayetteville since 2016.

It is also the program’s first road sweep of a top-five opponent since 1998. Florida had a successful week by going 4-0, which includes a 5-0 win against No. 10 Florida State in Jacksonville.

“It’s been a good week, a good rebound week,” UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Obviously, started on Tuesday night with Florida State. Get a chance to sweep anybody in this league, whether it be at home or away, whoever you play, you’ve gotta give it your best effort. Sundays are where championships are won.”

On this Sunday at Baum-Walker Stadium, the Gators (23-6, 6-3 SEC) delivered with a season-high 17 hits. Brendan Lawson and Ethan Surowiec led the way. Lawson went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a home run (his 11th of the season). Surowiec was 4-for-5 with two doubles and a home run (his fifth). They also teamed up by hitting their home runs back-to-back in the fifth inning.

Blake Cyr chipped in by driving in three runs on a pair of run-scoring singles.

Florida had a 5-2 lead after the fifth inning. But Arkansas (19-10, 4-5) answered to keep the game close. The Razorbacks scored six runs on 10 hits, including two home runs.

The Gators held on with Luke McNeillie closing the door. McNeillie recorded his first save by striking out four over 2.1 innings.

Russell Sandefer (2-1) earned the win in his first SEC weekend start. He was in for 5.2 innings and allowed three runs and six hits. While doing that Sandefer also struck out six.

“I’m really pleased with how Russ threw the ball today,” O’Sullivan said. “He was outstanding and that double play we turned was key at that moment in the game.”

Florida has now won eight of its last nine SEC series by going 20-7 across its last 27 league games dating back to last season.

The Gators look to keep stacking wins Tuesday when they host Jacksonville (12-16) at 6:30 p.m. (SEC Network+) before hosting Ole Miss (19-9, 3-5) in a SEC series starting Thursday.

Note: UF announced outfielder Cash Strayer has a fractured right hand suffered when he was hit by pitch Saturday and will be out for at least 3-to-4 weeks.

Category: College Baseball, Feature Sports News, Gators Baseball