Florida Upsets No. 9 Florida State, Clinches Season Series with 5-4 Win

Florida pulled off a thrilling 5-4 upset over No. 9 Florida State on Tuesday night, clinching the season series at Condron Family Ballpark.

With the victory, the Gators (21-14) have now won seven of the last eight season series against the Seminoles (25-7), continuing their strong run against their in-state rivals.

This win also marked a key accomplishment for Florida under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, as they have taken 10 of 16 season series against Florida State during his tenure, including 24 of the last 32 matchups.

The Gators’ offense was sparked by timely two-out hitting, with four of their five runs coming in such situations.

Rookie Brendan Lawson was the hero at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and an RBI double to finish with a team-high four RBIs.

Colby Shelton also played a pivotal role, producing his 18th multi-hit game of the season, while Luke Heyman added an RBI and two runs scored in a 1-for-3 performance.

Florida’s pitching staff delivered when it mattered most, with Jackson Barberi setting the tone early.

The starter threw three solid innings of one-run ball, striking out four and walking none.

Freshman McCall Biemiller earned his first career win after tossing a shutout inning, and closer Jake Clemente was dominant, retiring all six batters he faced to log his first career save.

After a scoreless first inning, the Gators took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the frame.

Bobby Boser and Shelton both singled, and Heyman brought Boser home with an RBI groundout to shortstop.

Florida State answered in the third when Max Williams’ sacrifice fly tied the game at 1-1.

Florida quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the third.

With two outs, Heyman doubled, and Lawson followed with another double, putting the Gators ahead 2-1.

The defense also played a crucial role in keeping the Seminoles at bay.

Right-hander Caden McDonald came in for the fourth inning and induced a 4-6-3 double play, preventing Florida State from scoring.

The game’s momentum swung back and forth as Florida State tied it in the fifth.

Brody DeLamielleure led off with a solo homer to right-center, making it 2-2.

But Lawson responded in the bottom of the fifth with a clutch three-run home run, giving Florida a 5-2 lead.

With two outs and two runners on base, Lawson’s blast into the right-field bullpen was a game-changer.

Florida State fought back in the seventh, pulling within one run at 5-4.

Myles Bailey’s two-out RBI single and a passed ball allowed Gage Harrelson to score, narrowing the gap.

But Clemente entered in the eighth and closed the door, striking out the side to preserve the lead.

With two shutout innings, Clemente earned his first career save, striking out four along the way.

Biemiller (1-0) earned his first career victory, while Florida State’s Maison Martinez (0-2) took the loss, charged with three earned runs on two hits and two walks in one inning of relief.

This win highlighted Florida's dominance in non-conference play, improving their record to 20-3.

The Gators are also now 9-2 in midweek games, remaining undefeated at home in such contests.

Their success against in-state rivals continues, as they are now 11-3 in games against teams like Miami and Florida State this season.

Looking forward, the Gators will host Missouri in a three-game series at Condron Family Ballpark from Thursday, April 10, through Saturday, April 12.

The series opener is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network.