The Gators got back on track offensively in game two against the Saints, defeating Siena 11-0 after seven innings (six at the plate).
Florida improves to 14-3 and the victory marks the fourth weekend series win of the season (4-0).
Hurston Waldrep made his fourth start of the 2023 campaign and was dominant once again. Waldrep tossed four innings, allowing no runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven batters.
With the Gators’ first SEC series right around the corner, Waldrep was pulled from the game after just 75 pitches and four scoreless innings. Despite walking two batters, Waldrep’s strike percentage was nearly 70% today.
Waldrep’s ability to create swings and misses makes him an extremely valuable weekend arm as he has proven capable of consistently working through jams with less than two outs.
Florida found the scoreboard early on in the game, which had to have been a good feeling after plating just three runs yesterday.
Jac Caglianone tripled to left center, bringing home Cade Kurland for the first run of the game.
One batter later, Josh Rivera would single to center field, scoring Caglianone. Rivera’s two RBI game brings his season total to 30, which ranks first on the Gators and top five in the country.
The Gators would strike for one more in the third inning as Richie Schiekofer doubled down the LF line, scoring Shelnut from first base and extending Florida’s lead to 3-0.
Over the next three innings, Florida would push across eight runs, ending the game at 11-0 before the Gators can even hit in the seventh inning.
Colby Halter blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, the second long ball of the season for the Jacksonville native. His two for two night at the plate brings his batting average to .303, which is an impressive feat after starting the season 0-11 at the dish. Halter had two walks, two runs, and 3 RBIs in the contest.
Cade Kurland led the Gators with three hits and three runs, bringing his batting average up to .459 on the season. The true freshman has become an everyday starter in the top of Florida’s lineup and is a proven tough out at the plate.
Sophomore Ryan Slater relieved Waldrep in the fifth and was nothing short of electrifying. Slater struck out seven of the nine batters he retired while holding a strike percentage of over 70.2%. The right hander allowed no runs on three hits and one walk in his three innings pitched. Slater was credited with the victory, improving to 4-0 on the season (4.50 ERA).
Florida will look to sweep Siena tomorrow at 1:00 PM.