The Gators punch their ticket back to College World Series in thrilling fashion
Florida wins the Clemson Super Regional and punched their ticket back to the College World Series.
CLEMSON S.C - The Clemson super regional has been nothing short of exciting. After a back-and-forth battle, Florida defeated Clemson 11-10 in 13 innings, punching their ticket back to the college world series. It took five hours, but the Gators are heading to Omaha!
In the first inning, Jac Caglianone got things started with a powerful two-run homer, sending the ball over the batter’s eye. This impressive shot marks Caglianone’s 33rd home run, leaving him just one short of matching Matt LaPorta’s career record of 74 home runs. The Gators lead 2-0.
However, in the second inning, things quickly took a turn. An altercation took place when Caglianone tagged out Nawrocki on a ground out, Nawrocki made contact with Caglianone’s body with his elbow during the play. In response, Caglianone pushed back, leading to both teams’ benches clearing. Clemson first baseman Jack Crighton was ejected for crossing the field and participating in the altercation. Both teams received a warning. Clemson did not like that very much and responded in full force.
Top of the third, the Tigers take the lead, Jacob Hinderleider hit an RBI double. Soon later, Blake Wright hit a two-run homerun to give Clemson a 3-2 lead. However, the Gators respond, Colby Shelton hits a clutch RBI single to tie the game 3-3.
Florida retakes the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with two runs. It begins with Cade Kurland drawing a one-out walk, followed by Jac Caglianone receiving an intentional walk after working a 2-0 count. Ashton Wilson then gets hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Colby Shelton steps up and delivers a two-RBI single, putting Florida ahead 5-3.
Bottom of the sixth, UF keeps the offense moving. Brody Donay hits a two-run home run to push Florida’s lead 7-4. However right, when you think the Gators have a comfortable lead, the Tigers come crawling back.
Bottom of the eighth, Clemson scores two runs on RBI singles from Cam Cannarella and Tryston McCladdie, cutting Florida’s lead to 7-6. Brandon Neely came in for Clemente and got second baseman Jarren Purrify to fly out with runners on first and second to end the inning.
Florida baseball extends its lead to 9-6 in the bottom of the eighth inning. With two outs, Clemson chooses to intentionally walk Jac Caglianone, but Ashton Wilson capitalizes on the opportunity by smashing a two-run homer to left field, increasing Florida’s lead.
In the top of the ninth, Cam Cannarella hits a three-run homer off Brandon Neely, tying the score at 9-9. Despite the pressure, Neely manages to work out of the inning, keeping the score tied. The score remains tied at 9-9 as the game reaches the middle of the ninth inning.
Clemson seizes a 10-9 lead in the top of the 13th inning with a solo home run by right fielder Alden Mathes off reliever Luke McNeillie. Following Mathes’s bat flip after his go-ahead home run, Clemson coach Erik Bakich is ejected from the game.
In the bottom of the 13th, Florida loads the bases, and center fielder Michael Robertson comes through with a clutch two-RBI double into the left-center field gap, securing an 11-10 victory for Florida over Clemson. With this win, Florida advances to the College World Series for the 14th time in school history and the ninth time under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan.
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