No. 10 Florida Completes Series Sweep with 12-2 Win Over Dayton

No. 10 Florida capped off a dominant weekend with a 12-2 victory over Dayton on Sunday, completing their second consecutive series sweep to start the season.

The Gators took just eight innings to run-rule the Flyers, extending their unbeaten streak to 7-0.

This marks Florida’s first 7-0 start since the 2020 season and their first time posting double-digit victories in all three games of a series since 2005.

Florida's offensive prowess was on full display as they racked up 12 hits, with contributions coming from all over the lineup.

“Got a couple hits, had production up and down the lineup, didn’t make any errors, said head coach Kevin O'Sullivan. "So overall it was a really good day."

Cade Kurland was the standout player, going 2-for-3 with two home runs, both two-run shots, which helped him finish with a team-high four RBIs.

Ty Evans also had a solid performance, driving in two runs and adding multiple hits to the scoreline.

In total, eight different Gators crossed the plate, with seven players contributing to the hit column.

Florida's balanced offense led to their sixth straight game of scoring 10 or more runs, a feat not achieved since 2003.

Starting pitcher Pierce Coppola earned his second win of the season, continuing his impressive form from the previous weekend.

After a solid opening frame, Coppola cruised through the second and third innings, striking out six batters and allowing just one hit through three innings.

Although Dayton got on the board in the fourth with a leadoff triple and sacrifice fly, Florida responded immediately with a four-run rally to take control of the game.

Coppola's outing was supported by relievers Luke McNeillie and Aidan King, who kept Dayton at bay, while the Gators’ offense exploded in the late innings.

"Sometimes Sundays can be a little difficult because you come out a little bit flat but I thought they had energy," O'Sullivan noted. "The dugout was good. So all in all, it was a good weekend for us."

Kurland’s two-run blast in the seventh, followed by a throwing error and RBI groundout, gave Florida a commanding 10-2 lead.

Kurland then ended the game with another two-run shot in the eighth, sealing the victory via the run rule.

O’Sullivan praised his team's overall performance, highlighting Coppola's efficiency and the offensive depth that fueled the Gators throughout the series.

“I thought he was really sharp," said O'Sullivan. "Really efficient early on."

The win not only pushed Florida to 7-0 but also marked several milestones for the program.

The Gators’ six-game streak of scoring 10 or more runs is the longest such streak in 22 years.

They also became the first team in their history to sweep a series with three run-rule victories, a testament to both their offensive firepower and pitching depth.

Looking ahead, the Gators will continue their strong start with a matchup against Stetson on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., followed by a home game against North Florida on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The team’s offense, which has been unstoppable so far, and their exceptional pitching will surely continue to be key as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season.