Florida defeated Kentucky, 9–6, in Sunday’s rubber match to secure the series win and improve to 34–18 (15–12 SEC) on the season.
The win marked Florida’s first home series victory since March 13–15 against South Carolina, as well as the Gators’ first back-to-back series wins since defeating Kennesaw State and Miami, and their first consecutive SEC series wins of the season.
The Gators are now 152–75–1 all-time and 82–33 in Gainesville against Kentucky, including wins in 17 of the last 24 matchups.
Another Historic Performance from Caden McDonald
Prior to last weekend, only two players in Florida baseball history had recorded a home run, thrown three-plus scoreless innings and earned the win in a single game: Jac Caglianone and Brian Johnson.
Redshirt sophomore two-way player Caden McDonald has now accomplished the feat twice over the last two weekends — a span of six games.
In the series finale against Kentucky, McDonald went 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and a towering go-ahead home run in the fourth inning. He also reached base in four of his five plate appearances.
After Sunday starter Russell Sandefer ran into trouble in the fourth inning and lasted just 3.2 innings, McDonald took over on the mound and delivered 4.1 near-perfect innings of relief, with Kentucky’s lone baserunner reaching on an error. McDonald struck out six and earned the win.
On April 24, McDonald was studying for an organic chemistry test when he learned he would be making just his second start of the season against the Texas A&M Aggies. Since entering the lineup as an everyday contributor, McDonald is 16-for-40 (.400) at the plate with five home runs, four doubles and 14 RBI.
The Tampa, Florida, native seems to be at his best when he’s also pitching, as he has hit three home runs across his last two appearances on the mound.
On the mound, McDonald has been as steady as they come, posting a 2.87 ERA across 37.2 innings this season with a 38-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Well-Rounded Effort at the Plate
In addition to McDonald’s success, all nine Florida starters recorded at least one hit, while five batters logged multi-hit games en route to a 14-hit performance. Hayden Yost and Brendan Lawson also homered in the contest.
Florida’s bottom of the order has struggled fairly consistently this season, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday, as the 7–9 hitters combined for two hits apiece and four runs scored.
Where Florida Stands
Florida has put itself in a strong position to host an NCAA Regional with back-to-back series wins and a 15–12 conference record, with three regular-season games remaining at LSU.
The Gators currently rank No. 11 in RPI, hold the No. 2 strength of schedule, and have a nation-leading 15 Quad 1 wins.
A single win at LSU would likely put them in hosting territory if they aren’t there already, while two wins would all but guarantee it. If Florida can take the series or sweep in Baton Rouge, it opens the door for a potential national seed, as the eighth spot appears to be wide open and up for grabs.