The Gators defeated Bethune Cookman 8-4 inside Condron Ballpark on Tuesday night, improving Florida’s series lead to 36-1 and 16-1 under head coach Kevin O’ Sullivan.
No. 3 Florida (25-5, 7-2 SEC) kept the Wildcats in the game with a pitching staff that allowed 10 free passes throughout the contest (nine walks and one HBP).
Florida’s starter, Yoel Tejeda, allowed three runs in the first inning after walking one batter and allowing the next to reach on his own error. Bethune Cookman’s Robert Moya would blast his fifth home run of the season, giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead on just one hit.
Much like they have all season, the Gators would immediately answer, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first on a Jac Caglianone RBI single.
Tejeda would toss three straight scoreless innings to polish off his outing. The Davie, Florida native posted an official line of four innings pitched, three runs, two hits, two walks, and zero strikeouts.
Florida would tie the game in the second inning after a Ty Evans leadoff triple would come around to score on a Rene Lastres groundout.
Two innings later, the Gators scored two runs without recording a hit, extending their lead to 5-3.
The only other Bethune Cookman run was credited to Clete Hartzog, who tossed one complete inning, allowing one run, one hit, and three walks. Hartzog (1-0, 4.15 ERA) was credited with the win.
Florida found three insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh after a Josh Rivera RBI single and a BT Riopelle two-run opposite field home run.
RHP Nick Ficarrotta tossed two scoreless frames in relief, allowing no runs, one hit, one walk, and one HBP while striking out two.
LHP Chris Arroyo made his fourth appearance of the season tonight, completing one inning of scoreless ball against the Wildcats. Arroyo walked two batters in his outing.
LHP Philip Abner finished the game off for the Gators. After throwing seven straight balls to start the ninth, Abner settled down, striking out one and ending the game with a pitcher’s best friend, a double play.
Florida totaled 11 hits in eight innings at the dish, going 4-10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
The Gators got their leadoff batter on in five innings and excelled in situational hitting on Tuesday night.
Florida pitchers dominated when they were throwing strikes, but free passes allowed the Wildcats to threaten for the majority of the game.