Florida Gators Secure First SEC Win in Split Doubleheader vs. No. 15 Ole Miss

The Florida Gators faced off against the Rebels in a doubleheader on Friday, with the Gators hoping to snap their brutal 0-7 start in SEC play.

The first game was a heartbreaker for Florida, as they blew a four-run lead in the final two innings.

In contrast, game two saw the Gators mount a thrilling comeback, scoring five runs in the ninth inning to secure their first SEC win of the season.

Florida dropped game one 10-9 to the Rebels, despite strong offensive performances, but rallied to win the second game 11-8.

The Gators started sophomore right-hander Liam Peterson in game one.

Peterson struggled, allowing seven hits and five earned runs in just 4 1/3 innings, though he did strike out six batters.

Two of the runs Peterson allowed came from leadoff home runs by Ole Miss senior Mitchell Sanford, who finished the game with two home runs and three runs scored.

With Florida up 9-5 in the seventh, things looked promising, but Ole Miss's late surge snatched the game from the Gators.

Redshirt sophomore Jake Clemente relieved Peterson and gave up two runs, but his solid performance couldn't hold off the Rebels.

With a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Clemente walked two batters, setting up freshman Jackson Barberi.

Barberi walked the bases loaded, and Ole Miss capitalized with a two-run double and a sacrifice fly to walk off with the win.

Florida’s offense got off to a strong start with a big second inning, highlighted by a 415-foot solo home run from catcher Luke Heyman.

Junior Bobby Boser and freshman Brendan Lawson also contributed RBIs in the second inning to give Florida a 4-1 lead.

The Gators threatened to extend their lead in the sixth with the bases loaded, but a controversial interference call wiped off a potential tying run.

In game two, sophomore Alex Philpott got the start for Florida after nine relief appearances this season.

Philpott allowed four earned runs on eight hits in four innings of work, but the Gators kept fighting.

McCall Biemiller took over in the fifth, pitching effectively in his first two innings before faltering in the seventh with Ole Miss taking a 7-5 lead.

Despite the pitching struggles, Florida's offense stayed hot, with Heyman leading the charge once again with two home runs, including a game-changing blast in the eighth inning.

Florida entered the ninth inning down by two but capitalized on six consecutive baserunners, including clutch hits from Colby Shelton, Heyman, and Landon Stripling.

Stripling’s two-run single in the ninth gave the Gators the lead, and a fifth run crossed on a double play to give Florida a cushion.

Billy Barlow came in for the save opportunity in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases but escaping without allowing any runs.

The Gators held on for their first SEC win of the year, defeating Ole Miss 11-8.

Florida will now host North Florida for a midweek matchup on Tuesday, after a narrow 7-6 win in their last meeting earlier this season.

The Gators will look to build on their newfound momentum as they face off against the Ospreys at 6:30 p.m. ET.