Boxscore

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida baseball team surrendered three unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning and were unable to recover as the Ospreys dropped a 9-3 decision to No. 4 Florida on Tuesday night at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. 

 

The Ospreys offense nearly matched the No. 4 team in the country, recording 11 hits compared to 12 by the Gators.  North Florida was unable to string together timely hits, scoring one run in three separate innings. 

 

T.J. Gavlik had just one hit, but made it count as the sophomore belted his first collegiate home run.  Gavlik scored two runs and had one of the Ospreys' three RBI. 

 

Preston Hale finished the game 3-for-5, leading the team in hits and RBI.  Michael Smith and Sam Perry each had a pair of hits in the game with Perry recording his first triple of the season.  Robbie Collier pinch hit in the ninth inning.  The junior walked, stole second base and eventually scored the third and final run of the game for the Ospreys. 

 

On the mound, North Florida used a trio of pitchers.  Freshman Josh Patton took the loss for the Ospreys.  The starter worked 2.1 innings, surrendering five runs (two earned runs) on five hits.  He walked one and struck out one. 

 

Kyle Westwood entered the game in relief.  The freshman tossed 3.1 innings, scattering six hits with two walks and strikeouts. 

 

Tommy Organ worked the final 2.1 innings.  The freshman hurler surrendered one hit, while striking out one in a scoreless outing. 

 

The Gators jumped out to a quick lead, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning.  The Ospreys retired the first two batters of the game on a ground out and a pop up, but a costly error extended the inning.  With a man on first base, a wild pitch moved the base runner into scoring position.  A base hit through the left side of the infield scored the first run of the game.  With a runner on first, Florida used a two-run home run to right field to jump out to a 3-0 lead.

 

The Ospreys threatened in the top of the second, loading the bases, but were unable to score any runs.  Smith led off the inning with a single to center field.  A one-out single by Andrew Hannon to second base gave UNF a pair of base runners.  A third single in the inning, this time by Perry, loaded the bases with one out.  A strikeout and a fly ball to center field ended the inning and the Ospreys' threat, leaving the score 3-0 after an inning and a half of play. 

 

Florida increased its lead with a pair runs in the bottom of the third.  The leadoff batter of the inning doubled to right center field and the second batter of the inning delivered an RBI single to left field.  The runner advanced to second on the throw to the plate and a fly ball to right field moved him to within 90 feet of home.  With one out, the Gators received an RBI single to center field to go ahead 5-0, prompting a call to the UNF bullpen.  Westwood entered the game in relief and surrendered a double to the first batter he faced.  The freshman regrouped and fanned the next batter and induced a fly ball to end the inning. 

 

UNF chipped into the UF lead with a run in the top of the fifth inning.  Gavlik led off the inning with his first collegiate home run, a solo shot to left field. 

 

UF responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  With a runner on, a two-run home run to left field increased the home team's advantage to 7-1. 

 

Florida added some insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.  The Gators used three hits, including a double, a walk and a sacrifice bunt to score two runs and extend their lead to 9-1. 

 

The Ospreys scored a run in the top of the seventh inning.  Corey Bass led off the inning with an infield single.  A fielder's choice left North Florida with a runner on first and one out.  A ground out advanced the runner to second base.  Hale delivered an RBI single to score Gavlik from second base to trim the margin to 9-2. 

 

UNF scored a run in the top of the ninth, but were unable to get any closer.  Collier pinch hit for Gavlik and drew a free pass.  The junior stole second to move into scoring position.  Collier advanced to third on a ground out and came around to score on an RBI single. 

 

North Florida continues its road trip to close out the season with its final Atlantic Sun Conference series against Florida Gulf Coast in Fort Myers, Fla.  The series begins on Thursday, May 20 with a single game beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The two teams meet up on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. for a doubleheader to close out the regular season.