Florida Edges South Carolina in SEC Opener, 1-0 in 10 Innings

GAINESVILLE, FL – A sacrifice fly by Cash Strayer in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the University of Florida to a 1-0 victory over the University of South Carolina baseball team Friday night at Condron Family Ballpark, marking the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.

Pitching Duel Sets the Stage

The game was a classic pitcher’s duel, with limited offensive output from both sides. South Carolina’s Josh Gunther and Florida’s Liam Peterson delivered strong performances on the mound. Gunther pitched 6.1 innings, allowing no hits or runs, while recording three walks and five strikeouts. Peterson matched him, going six innings and conceding only one hit with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Walk-Off Win for the Gators

After remaining scoreless through nine innings, the game headed into extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Kyle Jones started the inning with a double down the left field line. Following an intentional walk, a sacrifice bunt, and another intentional walk, Strayer’s fly ball to center field allowed Jones to score the winning run.

Key Contributors and Stats

Brandon Stone was charged with the loss for South Carolina, allowing two hits and one run with two strikeouts and three walks. Alex Valentin pitched one inning of relief without allowing a hit, adding a strikeout and two walks. Talmadge LeCroy recorded Carolina’s lone hit of the game. The Gamecocks reached base on five walks and a hit by pitch.

Both teams stranded nine runners throughout the contest.

Up Next

South Carolina and Florida will continue their three-game series on Saturday night, March 14, with a first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed on SEC Network Plus.