Wyatt Langford homered twice for the second-straight game to lead a 16-hit barrage, with every member of the Gator lineup collecting a base knock.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida moved into a tie for second place in the SEC East with a 14-5 victory over South Carolina in the series opener at Condron Family Ballpark on Thursday night.
SEC Player of the Year candidate Wyatt Langford<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15097&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=G6b0JzD7IzlDLt8DUZv-jTeeL7ekHcHYdyAHWmt0Ru4&e= > was at the heart of the 16-hit outburst by the Florida offense, going 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs to move into the conference lead with 21 homers on the season. The multi-homer performance marked Langford’s second-straight game with two big flies.
For the second game in a row, Langford got the Gators (34-19, 14-14 SEC) on the board on the very first pitch of the bottom of the first. Langford connected on a solo shot for his third leadoff home run in the last 13 games, marking his 20th big fly of the campaign and becoming the sixth Gator to hit 20 home runs in a single season.
Starting pitcher Brandon Sproat<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15106&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=5RfxruIKs5UbM6FDrPQe6ZIM26G0kwbcfKLOALqj0Jw&e= > held the South Carolina (26-26, 12-16 SEC) lineup in check for the first two innings, but ran into trouble in the third. The Gamecocks loaded the bases on a pair of hit-by-pitches and a walk, with Andrew Eyster bringing in two runs with an RBI double to left field.
Florida quickly knotted the game up at 2-2, with Sterlin Thompson<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15108&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=veXccUEVgr4mHSPfTbAjJBiHFZJe51kdN-0xC-yutfY&e= > doubling to left center to lead off the bottom of the third. Jud Fabian<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15127&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=AQFt0C_Ew9K57i-Wso2pfmOPqSHAtVeq-G1ln1Vg2-w&e= > made it back-to-back doubles, driving in Thompson with a line drive to left field.
After a scoreless frame from Sproat, the Gators grabbed the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Ty Evans<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15111&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=kcAcHFnBTv0zOHaNpM51tF7XjZqnSmFDGSdEQMMfxNA&e= > led off the inning with a home run to straightaway center field. Florida then loaded the bases on a Colby Halter<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15096&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=81uERTeDYO6CWyao5ao3xluxsKVm3e5vnLQgwihlU-I&e= > single sandwiched between a Kris Armstrong<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15090&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=Gi2epPdxQ9f1P_bq4KpMgpVbALnXUZjaxnpUmqhGz3Q&e= > walk and Langford hit-by-pitch. From there, Thompson produced a sacrifice fly to deep left field, scoring Armstrong to give the Gators a 4-2 lead.
South Carolina brought the game back even in the top of the fifth. Josiah Sightler scored the first run on a throwing error by shortstop Josh Rivera<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15104&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=yX_3-CUuf2cKcOdbIc2mTqtyp_i3eyhe0EyY-wYGQG4&e= >, while Braylen Wimmer drove in Eyster with an RBI double to center field.
The Gators answered in the following half inning, beginning with an RBI single up the middle by Jac Caglianone<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15113&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=6jjCcR_4HAHn8RiPCZ225V2rOFGuwuOCD_jiZo60iL0&e= > to score BT Riopelle<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15114&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=ELaFlVUO6WxVZDUXqmmrZhXnOVw_RejSSF99oYBwVk4&e= >. Evans and Armstrong then drove in runs with sacrifice flies to center field, extending the Florida lead to 7-4.
Sproat exited with one out in the seventh, as southpaw Philip Abner<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15126&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=HyoQ_Qp6Uv7x5Yr9dy99u_Qnc36LiylWKOIFoTx1TGM&e= > and right-hander Blake Purnell<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15103&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=-DfTRemXqiOB7jF_9U5Yq-mtHIcUTqKEG7gg47CUIVA&e= > recorded the final two outs to hold the score. Florida took advantage in the bottom half, with Caglianone connecting on a two-run shot to right center for his fourth home run of the campaign.
With a 9-4 advantage, Purnell fired a clean frame in the eighth. The right-hander finished with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief with one walk allowed.
In the bottom of the eighth, Langford stepped to the plate and launched a two-run blast for his second home run of the night and fourth in the last two games, moving him into the SEC lead with 21 homers.
Langford’s blast sparked a late Gator rally, as three more run-scoring hits followed. Evans singled to center to bring in J. Fabian and Riopelle, while Armstrong delivered an RBI single to center field to plate Rivera. Halter capped off the inning with his third hit of the game, doubling in Evans with a fly ball off the right-field wall.
South Carolina scored one late run in the top of the ninth on a pinch-hit home run off the bat of Jack Mahoney, bringing the score to its final tally of 14-5.
Sproat (8-4) earned his fourth-consecutive victory, tossing 6 1/3 innings with four runs allowed (two earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out three.
Gamecocks reliever John Gilreath (0-3) received the loss, allowing five earned runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out three.
South Carolina starting pitcher Brett Thomas was handed a no-decision, pitching three innings with four earned runs allowed on seven hits and two walks. He struck out five.
Langford (2-for-4), Thompson (2-for-4), Riopelle (2-for-4), Caglianone (2-for-5), Evans (2-for-4) and Halter (3-for-5) all collected multiple hits in game one.
NOTABLES
* Florida hit four home runs tonight to bring the team’s season total to 100.
* The Gators’ 100 homers are tied for the third-most in program history and tied for the most in the Kevin O’Sullivan<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_coaches.aspx-3Frc-3D1445&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=QQl91TH_DnWo80rjeDNrBeWD8-xO5_143ewXulPMyK4&e= > era.
* Florida scored in every inning but the second and sixth.
* All nine Gators in the lineup picked up hits.
* Sproat picked up his fourth win in as many starts.
* Sproat has gone 5 1/3-plus innings in eight-straight starts.
* He has thrown five-plus innings in 11 of 14 starts this year while allowing three earned runs or less in 10 of those outings.
* Langford’s leadoff homer marked his 20th of the campaign and his third since being moved to the leadoff spot 13 games ago for the series opener vs. Kentucky.
* Langford became the sixth Gator to hit 20 home runs in a single season.
* Following J. Fabian’s 20-homer campaign in 2021, Fabian and Langford are now the first pair of Florida teammates to hit 20 homers in consecutive seasons.
* Langford hit his second home run of the game in the eighth inning, marking his SEC-leading 21st long ball of the year.
* Langford posted back-to-back two-homer games.
* Langford’s 21 home runs are tied for fifth all-time in a single season at Florida.
* Langford picked up his team-leading 22nd multi-hit game of the campaign.
* Florida is now 49-50 all-time vs. South Carolina including a 28-15 mark at home.
* The Gators are 27-18 vs. the Gamecocks under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_coaches.aspx-3Frc-3D1445&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=QQl91TH_DnWo80rjeDNrBeWD8-xO5_143ewXulPMyK4&e= > including 15-4 at home.
* Florida has won 14 of the last 21 meetings.
* Florida has won 11 of its last 13 games.
* Thompson extended his on-base streak to 23 games.
* Langford extended his on-base streak to 15 games and his hitting streak to 10 straight.
* J. Fabian stole a career-high three bases.
FROM HEAD COACH KEVIN O’SULLIVAN
On Wyatt Langford<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15097&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=G6b0JzD7IzlDLt8DUZv-jTeeL7ekHcHYdyAHWmt0Ru4&e= >…
“I don’t know if I have quite seen anything like this to be completely honest. We’ve had some really good players and I hate naming names because we have had so many good players come through here during my tenure. It is just remarkable – he is seeing the ball really well and he’s got the flair for the dramatic. If I try to explain or try to put into words what we are witnessing right now, I would not be able to do it any justice. The thing about him is, he hasn’t changed. He is the same young man. He stays the course and he is even-keeled. I have said this quite a lot over the last couple of weeks, but we all need to enjoy this because it is something really special.”
On the last 13-game stretch….
“I don’t think you can point to one phase of the game. Offensively, we have been really good. Our pitching has gotten better, some of our young pitchers have matured to a point where we can count on them in a lot of different situations. We played a really tough schedule early on, especially in SEC play, so it has taken some time, but they are having fun. They are playing really well and we are going to take it one game at a time.”
On what he saw out of Brandon Sproat<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15106&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=RyANqKJK80byJD4PObxTXH2-CC34GB_0Pu1jhEGbHCGzvGddLSAYL-BfnjF4M0oj&s=5RfxruIKs5UbM6FDrPQe6ZIM26G0kwbcfKLOALqj0Jw&e= >….
“He didn’t have his best stuff, but what you saw tonight was his growth and maturity in learning to deal with failure. That has gotten to the point where he is winning games without having his best stuff. I don’t know if you would have seen that earlier this year or last year – he would’ve gotten frustrated with himself. But he grinded it out and for him to get to the seventh inning and battle the way he did, that says a lot about where he is at right now mentally. He is in a really good spot.”
On Halter’s three-hit night…
“I don’t think it was just Colby. It was great to see Colby get three hits and he made another great play defensively for us, but between 6-7-8-9, we drove in close to 10 runs. It was a really good night offensively for us, especially at the second half of the lineup.”
UP NEXT
Florida and South Carolina face off in game two on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
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