Freshmen lead No. 3 Florida to sweep of No. 13 Ole Miss

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After taking both games of a Saturday doubleheader, Florida kept its winning ways going against Ole Miss on Sunday and completed the three-game sweep, 7-2.

The freshmen led the day for the Gators, both at the plate and on the mound. Catcher Luke Heyman homered twice, once in the fourth and again in the eighth, and second baseman Cade Kurland finished the day 3 for 5 with four RBIs. Kurland also homered in the eighth and singled in runs in the fourth and sixth.

Jac Caglianone, who started on the mound for Florida, got the scoring started in the first with his nation-leading 17th home run of the year. He’d finish the day 2-for-5, but things didn’t go so well on the mound.

Cags blasts 𝐍𝐨. 𝟏𝟕 on the year!

#GoGators //

SEC Network pic.twitter.com/w1X3t4lsnz

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) March 26, 2023

Caglianone lasted just 3 2/3 innings against Ole Miss and walked eight batters, including three in the fourth. His command wasn’t there from the start with his arm side stuff, but the walks didn’t hurt him until the fourth. Fortunately, Blake Purnellwas able to get the final out of the inning without giving up any more runs, which is a big outing for a guy who has struggled this season.

Left-handed freshman Chris Arroyo made a rare appearance and might have earned himself some more playing time. He faced the minimum through two innings, striking out four batters and holding the Rebels hitless. His slider was working well in particular, buckling the knees of lefties and baiting righties to swing and miss at it.

3⃣

3⃣

#GoGators //

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— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) March 26, 2023

Phillip Abner pitched a clean seventh but saw ran into trouble in the eighth after the second error of the day from Colby Halter. The team’s closer Brandon Neely came in for Abner after an unearned run scored and traded a run for a double play.

He closed out the eighth and ninth innings for Florida, securing the first road sweep of Ole Miss for the program since 1988.

Defensive honors go to BT Riopelle at first and Ty Evans in right for each making a diving play that saved a double during the game.

BT puts the body on the line!#GoGators //

SEC Network pic.twitter.com/J3yTGw6a4U

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) March 26, 2023

This was a massive series win for Florida that validates the No. 3 ranking. Alabama and Miami were good wins too, but the reigning national champions are a different story.

Up next, Florida plays its neutral site game against Florida State on Tuesday and then prepares for a four-game homestand against Auburn and Bethune-Cookman.

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By: David Rosenberg
Title: Freshmen lead No. 3 Florida to sweep of No. 13 Ole Miss
Sourced From: gatorswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/26/florida-baseball-ole-miss-rebels-game-3-recap-jac-caglianone-cade-kurland-luke-heyman-chris-arroyo/
Published Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:05:08 +0000

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