Jac Caglianone, Brandon Neely lift Florida to Game 1 win over Clemson in Super Regional

Jac Caglianone reminded everyone why he’s one of the best players in college baseball, even if he missed the cut as a finalist for the sport’s top award.

Caglianone hit a 3-run home run that swung the momentum Florida’s way en route to a 10-7 come-from-behind UF win over Clemson in Game 1 of the Super Regional series.

Caglianone led the team with 3 RBIs on a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Luke Heyman (2-5, 2 RBI) and Tyler Shelnut (1-5, RBI) also went yard.

The blast from Cags put UF up 5-4, part of a 7-run Gator top of the 5th that saw a 4-2 deficit turned into a 9-4 advantage.

It takes a special player to pimp a backside homer lefty on lefty.

Jac Caglianone shouldn’t be pitched to. Let someone else beat you for crying out loud pic.twitter.com/lHL9nB1Tbd

— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 8, 2024

Kevin O’Sullivan turned to Liam Peterson as his Game 1 starter. Peterson had been one of UF’s top arms as of late, but facing the No. 6 national seed on the road in a Super Regional appeared to overwhelm the freshman.

Peterson was pulled before recording an out in the 2nd inning, allowing 3 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks, with 2 wild pitches.

Sully turned to Fisher Jameson, who played a key role in Florida’s Stillwater Regional win. Jameson worked 4 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk, striking out 4. Jameson exited after Florida took the lead, making him the game’s winning pitcher.

With Fisher Jameson fading after 60 pitches, O’Sullivan brough in Cade Fisher. When Fisher allowed a double to his first batter faced, Sully yanked Fisher for Brandon Neely. As fans saw in Stillwater, Neely has flipped a switch in postseason.

Neely, who has been both a starter and closer for the Gators, entered with 2 on, nobody out in a 9-5 game. Clemson would score both runners, but on outs. Once the base paths were cleared of traffic, Neely settled in with a 9-7 lead. Heyman’s solo homer in the top of the 9th provided some more insurance.

To pick up his 4th save of 2024, Neely faced 13 batters. He allowed just 1 hit and issued 1 base on balls, striking out 7 without allowing a run over 59 pitches, 39 strikes.

Brandon Neely in the postseason: 12 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 19 K

Florida’s closer is making himself some money. pic.twitter.com/MuLYoZfpUJ

— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) June 8, 2024

Caglianone, who also made a highlight stop in the field as a first baseman for a key out, will take the mound for Florida on Sunday.

Kevin O’Sullivan was asked if Jac Caglianone is starting tomorrow… he turns to Jac who immediately nods his head.

“He’s the boss.”

That’s a yes folks.

— Nick Marcinko (@marcinko_nick) June 8, 2024

Caglianone has been Florida’s Game 3 weekend starter the past two seasons. This year, he’s 5-2 over 67 IP, posting a 4.57 ERA while allowing 39 runs (34 earned) on 56 hits and 46 walks, striking out 76.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.