Florida puts an end to UK’s winning streak

Florida ended UK’s winning streak at six games on Sunday as the Gators salvaged the final of a three-game series behind 10 unanswered runs at McKethan Stadium.

Florida’s 10-1 victory ended UK’s hopes of finishing its first sweep of Florida since 1993. The Cats won the first two games 3-0 and 7-6, but couldn’t muster a third win against the No. 5 team in the country.

The Cats collected just six hits on offense and pitcher Andrew Nelson (2-3) allowed eight hits and five runs in just three innings of work in the loss. Five pitchers took the mound for UK, and except Bo Wilson, each allowed a minimum of one run.

UK jumped on the board first in the top of the second inning after Storm Wilson singled to start the inning, Thomas Bernal then hit a single to centerfield that sent Wilson to third base. Zach Arnold followed with a single to left that drove in Wilson. Florida, however, responded immediately in the bottom of the inning. Josh Tobias led off with a walk and Peter Alonso hit a double into right-center that scored Tobias. JJ Schwarz added to the lead with a sacrifice fly that scored Harrison Bader. Florida then padded its lead in the fourth inning after UK failed to add any runs. With two runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth inning, the rout was on for a Florida team looking to salvage a weekend home series against an inconsistent UK team.

Florida’s Alex Faedo propelled his team to the win behind five innings of work. He allowed six singles and just one run while striking out four. Righty Taylor Lewis took the mound in relief for Florida in the sixth to help the Gators escape the jam. He threw two innings and stuck out two. Closer Bobby Poyner came in to finish out the game for Florida.

UK’s win on Saturday helped it clinch its second consecutive series win over Florida.

STAFF REPORT