The Florida Gators fell out of the most recent D1 baseball top 25 because they got swept by Alabama. When discussing this development, we mentioned this weekend’s matchup with Arkansas gave them a chance to “fly back up the rankings.” It looks like they’re going to do just that.
The Gators, with a complete team effort, topped the fourth-ranked Razorbacks 7-4 on Saturday. Florida’s pitching staff allowed only 6 hits and walked just 3 batters in the game. Meanwhile, the Gators’ lineup pounded out 10 hits and drew 8 walks. This constant action on the basepaths forced Arkansas to use 7 different pitchers to try and stop the bleeding.
Jackson Barberi threw 3.1 innings of relief — in which he allowed no hits or walks and struck out 7 — to earn the win. His stellar showing, along with four Florida hitters — Kyle Jones, Brendan Lawson, Karson Bowen and Cade Kurland — reaching base 3 times apiece, clinched the series for the visiting squad.
The Gators have won 3 straight games, all against top 10 foes (they beat No. 10 Florida State 5-0 on Tuesday). Their performance on Saturday, where they made the Razorbacks call the bullpen so frequently, should help them potentially complete the sweep on Sunday. First pitch between Florida and Arkansas in the series finale is 1:00 p.m. E.T. (SEC Network).
