No. 3 Florida broke open a tie game with a five-run sixth inning to claim a 10-3 victory at Kentucky Proud Park in Thursday night’s series opener.
UK (35-16, 15-13 Southeastern Conference) had several chances to get to Florida starter Hurston Waldrep in the first half of the game but left seven runners stranded in the first five innings and were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
The Gators (41-12, 19-9) managed to cash in on their opportunities, including three doubles – two well-placed ones – in the sixth to take control. Catcher B.T. Riopelle drove in four runs to lead the charge.
UK starter Travis Smith spotted the Gators two runs in the first three batters of the game before retiring eight straight and not allowing another hit until the fateful sixth. A ground rule double opened the inning before a soft double off the end of the bat and double to the opposite field that landed just inside the line got the Gators going.
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Sixth Sense: No. 3 Florida Rides Five-Run Sixth Inning to Victory – UK Athletics​
UK (35-16, 15-13 Southeastern Conference) had several chances to get to Florida starter Hurston Waldrep in the first half of the game but left seven runners stranded in the first five innings and were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
The Gators (41-12, 19-9) managed to cash in on their opportunities, including three doubles – two well-placed ones – in the sixth to take control. Catcher B.T. Riopelle drove in four runs to lead the charge.
UK starter Travis Smith spotted the Gators two runs in the first three batters of the game before retiring eight straight and not allowing another hit until the fateful sixth. A ground rule double opened the inning before a soft double off the end of the bat and double to the opposite field that landed just inside the line got the Gators going.
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Sixth Sense: No. 3 Florida Rides Five-Run Sixth Inning to Victory – UK Athletics​