Florida baseball outlasted the Stetson Hatters in an offensive shootout on Tuesday at Florida Ballpark, prevailing 10-8. The Gators with their win versus Stetson moves 23-14 on the season.
The Hatters struck first in the first and third innings, using two singles and a wild pitch from Florida starting pitcher Karl Hartman to push across their first run. In the third, they got the two leadoff batters on base and then designated hitter Brandon Hylton hit a three-run shot to right field to give Stetson a 4-0 lead.
Florida responded in the bottom half, however. Second baseman Colby Halter started the inning off doubling down the left-field line, then advancing to third when center fielder Jud Fabian flew out to center field before right fielder Sterlin Thompson singled to right to get the Gators on the board. Designated hitter BT Riopelle then drove Thompson in on an RBI single.
The Hatters scored one more run in the top of the fourth, but the Gators answered by plating five runs. They used a solo shot, an RBI single and a three-run blast to take the 7-5 lead.
Florida tacked on three more insurance runs in the late innings while Stetson scored two in the top of the seventh and one more in the ninth to get to the final score of 10-8.
Shortstop Joshua Rivera, left fielder Wyatt Langford and Fabian all homered in the offensive outburst. Thompson led all Florida bats, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
Fabian’s bomb Tuesday was the 48th of his career, helping him pass Gator great Mike Zunino for fifth on Florida’s all-time home run list.
Florida’s bullpen struggled to consistently put down Stetson’s lineup. It allowed seven runs on 10 hits while giving up four free passes.
The Gators’ next game is a weekend showdown with No. 1 Tennessee who leads the country with 87 dingers. The first pitch is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. EDT at Florida Ballpark.
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