The Florida Gators run-ruled Mississippi State 13-3 after eight innings on Friday night, taking game of the series and improving to 26-14 (5-11 SEC) on the 2025 season. Kevin O’Sullivan’s squad trailed 3-2 after five innings before the Gators’ bats exploded for 11 runs in their final three trips to the plate.
It looked for a while like this was going to a low scoring affair as Bulldogs starter Pico Kohn struck out 11 batters in his five innings pitched while allowing just two runs. After Kohn left the game, Florida hammered one of Mississippi State’s best bullpen arms in Stone Simmons, recording six straight hits vs the right hander. Two batters after Simmons’ exit, Florida catcher Luke Heyman delivered a 448-foot three run home run, capping off a seven-run 6th inning for the Gators.
The Gators added two more runs in both the 7th and 8th innings. In total, Florida had 17 hits, five doubles and three home runs while posting a .400 batting average with runners in scoring position. Eight of nine Florida batters recorded at least one hit while six had two or more. Florida’s 17 hits are the most they’ve recorded in a game this season. The Gators found production up and down their lineup on Friday night.
“Had a terrific night at the plate with a couple of home runs, and I think eight of the nine guys got hits tonight and everybody reached base—so it was a group effort, head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said postgame.
Liam Peterson kept Florida in the game
Florida’s ace Liam Peterson may not have had his best stuff vs Mississippi State, but he battled and gave the Gators six strong innings. Peterson allowed three earned runs on seven hits while striking out six batters. Two of Peterson’s runs allowed were solo home runs while the other came in the second inning when Mississippi State recorded three weak hit infield singles. Peterson easily could have crumbled out of frustration early, but he remained calm and delivered the Gators a quality outing.
“Really, really pleased with Liam,” O’Sullivan said on Peterson. “He had some misfortune there early in the game with some ground balls that were just out of reach and weren’t hit particularly hard, but he grinded it out and went six full for us.”
Have a day Donay
Junior designated hitter Brody Donay entered the series with zero home runs in SEC play. That ended quickly as the 6’5 slugger hammered a fastball 394 feet over the fence in right field on the first pitch he saw vs Mississippi State. That wasn’t all, either. Donay would go on to record three more hits including his second home run of the night in the 8th inning, putting the game in run-rule territory at 13-3. Donay’s four hit night marks the first of his Gators’ career.
Donay got off to a tremendous start to the season but has struggled in conference play as of late. Donay is one of the more powerful hitters in college baseball but his lack of home runs in conference play has put a dent in Florida’s offensive production. However, his epic performance vs one of the best pitching staffs in the country on Friday night is a great sign moving forward. The Gators need Donay to deliver if they want to turn their season around.
Thoughts heading into game two
Florida’s at the point in the season where they not only need to win games but win series. Taking game one was critical, but how they won the game was just as important for their postseason hopes. Because Florida was able to jump out to a commanding lead before they went to their bullpen, the Gators didn’t have to use either of their best bullpen arms in Luke McNeillie or Jake Clemente, a great sign for the rest of the series. On the other hand, Mississippi State had to use their best relief pitcher in Stone Simmons for 23 pitches, a right hander who held a 1.74 ERA prior to the contest. The Bulldogs may also be without RHP Chase Hungate, who left the game with an apparent arm injury.
The Gators are in a great spot for a much-needed series win, but they still need to be ready to play tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. as road SEC series can slip away from you in the blink of an eye.