GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 5 Florida split a Friday doubleheader to take its opening SEC series against No. 24 Alabama, producing an 8-7 walk-off win in game one before dropping the finale, 3-6.
Josh Rivera led the Gators offensively in the twin bill, going 5-for-9 with two home runs – one in each half of the doubleheader. The Florida shortstop tallied 11 total bases, four RBI, three runs and one stolen base, including the walk-off infield single in game one. Colby Halter also had a big day, finishing 3-for-6 with a clutch, game-tying home run in the first matchup.
Game One | Florida 8, Alabama 7
In a back-and-forth-affair that saw the Tide (17-4, 1-2 SEC) grab four different leads, the Gators (18-4, 2-1 SEC) came from behind in the bottom of the ninth to clinch a series victory. Halter brought the dramatic flair with the game-tying solo shot in the ninth, while Rivera walked off the Tide with an infield single that scored Michael Robertson.
The Crimson Tide used a three-run homer to left-center by Drew Williamson to open a 3-0 edge in the first inning. That advantage proved to be short-lived, as the Gators responded with a three-run jack of their own in the bottom half. With two outs, BT Riopelle hit a moon shot onto the right-field berm to knot the game at three runs apiece.
Alabama quickly went back on top in the second. With…
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