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HomeNews UpdateCollege World Series: Florida’s season ends in CWS semifinals – ESPN 98.1 FM

College World Series: Florida’s season ends in CWS semifinals – ESPN 98.1 FM

June 20, 2024
College World Series: Florida’s season ends in CWS semifinals – ESPN 98.1 FM

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Over the last month, the Florida Gators baseball team has had one of the most action-packed and exciting underdog runs in college baseball history.

From winning the Stillwater Regional three times in 24 hours to defeating the Clemson Tigers in an action-packed Super Regional finale to wins over the NC State Wolfpack and Kentucky Wildcats en route to the College World Series semifinals, Florida has continued to surprise the college baseball world on its way through this year’s NCAA Tournament.

But on Wednesday night, the clock struck midnight on Florida’s Cinderella run. The Gators lost 6-0 to the Texas A&M Aggies in the CWS semifinals, officially ending their 2024 season. Just weeks after finishing the regular season just two games over .500, Florida will finish the year at 36-30. Texas A&M (52-13) now moves on to the CWS finals, where they will face the top-seeded Tennessee Volunteers (58-12).

“We’ve had a great year,” UF head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs. Our players have been through a lot of difficult moments. (I’m) so proud of our team. This time of year is really hard to put into words. It’s like you’re running full speed into a sprint and all of a sudden it’s all over.”

Key players of the Gators

Florida’s loss in the CWS semifinals proved to be a record-breaking one, as it ended the team’s historic 144-game streak of scoring at least one run. Wednesday’s game marked the first time the Gators have been absent from a game since a 10-0 loss to Texas A&M in the 2022 SEC Tournament.

In his final game as a Florida Gator, Jac Caglianone turned in another strong performance at bat. Caglianone hit 2 for 4 on the night, accounting for half of Florida’s hits in the game. While Florida’s departure marks a bittersweet end to his time as a Gator, he praised his teammates and coaches alike for helping him flourish during his three years in Gainesville.

“Day in and day out, I just wanted to play for these guys,” Caglianone said. “I can’t thank the coaches here enough for helping me get to where I am today. The people I’ve met and played with along the way is something I’ll never take for granted.”

On the mound, Florida rookie Liam Peterson’s postseason struggles continued into Wednesday’s game, resulting in his sixth loss of the 2024 season. Peterson managed just one out that night, finishing the game with zero hits, four walks, two runs and one strikeout.

UF relief pitcher Fisher Jameson took Peterson’s place in the first inning and finished the game with the strongest outing by a Florida bullpen pitcher. In 4 2/3 innings, Jameson allowed just three hits, no walks and one run. He also struck out five batters. Still, his performance alone wasn’t enough to keep Florida afloat in this game.

Alligators stumble out of the gates

Peterson had trouble finding the zone from the start in Wednesday’s game. The Florida freshman walked four of the first five batters he faced, with the latter scoring Texas A&M’s first run of the night. With the bases still loaded, O’Sullivan pulled the plug on Peterson with just one out in the game.

Fisher Jameson quickly took his place on the mound and allowed only one sacrifice fly before taking the team out of the game, but the Aggies still had a 2-0 lead early on.

Florida nearly struck back with an offensive of its own in the third inning. Michael Robertson led off the inning with a walk on one out. Caglianone and Cade Kurland followed with two infield singles to load the bases.

Unfortunately, the Gators were unable to come back in the third inning. After Kurland’s hit, Tyler Shelnut was struck out, making him the second out. Colby Shelton then hit into foul territory, allowing all three runs for the Gators. At the end of the inning, Texas A&M was still leading 2-0.

Texas A&M continues to go full throttle

The Aggies finally found their way back on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Kaeden Kent opened the game with a leadoff double down the right field line and landed in scoring position. Two at-bats later, Gavin Grahovac returned the favor with a ground-rule double, giving Kent a run.

With the clock now against them, the Gators decided to send closer Brandon Neely to the mound in the sixth inning. But not even Neely could save Florida in this game. As soon as he stepped onto the mound, Cade Sorrell welcomed Neely to the game by launching him well over the right field wall for a two-run home run. Sorrell took his time trotting the bases before greeting his team outside the dugout. The Aggies now had a five-run lead on the night.

Florida had another prime opportunity to strike back in the sixth inning, but that chance came just as quickly as it had passed. After Kurland and Shelnut got into scoring position after two walks and a ground out by Shelton, the Gators had a chance to score two runs and reduce their deficit.

Instead, both runs went unused after consecutive strikeouts by Luke Heyman and Ashton Wilson. Instead of getting back on the scoreboard, Florida was still down 5-0.

Florida’s final moments

As the sun set over the Omaha skyline behind Charles Schwab Field, the Gators faced the music on their way to their own final applause. In his final at-bat of college, Caglianone hit a single up the middle to open the eighth inning for the Gators.

From there, however, Caglianone was once again stranded in scoring position. After two popouts, the Aggies benched Heyman with his fourth strikeout of the afternoon and ended the team. Florida left another pair of runners on base while Texas A&M maintained its shutout until the final inning.

In the ninth inning, Wilson hit the right field wall while chasing a three-run hit by Ali Camarillo. The collision left Wilson immobilized for a while, but he was eventually able to finish the game on his own, albeit a little shaken up.

Kent hit a single down the right field line and scored Camarillo on the next play, increasing Texas A&M’s lead to 6-0. The Gators then went down quietly in the bottom of the inning, ending Florida’s rollercoaster of a season and improbable tournament run.

“Any time you lose a game at the end of the year, especially in Omaha, it’s heartbreaking,” Shelnut said. “I’m just super proud of my teammates and the rest of this group that went through a lot to get here.”

Conclusion of an electrifying season

While Florida’s 2024 season may be over on the field, this team’s legacy will be assured for years to come. From Caglianone’s countless record-breaking performances to a total of seven players hitting double-digit home runs, there was never a dull moment with this Gators team.

There were plenty of ups and downs throughout the season, but the team made it clear that it never really lost its composure at any point during the year. With a roster that includes numerous MLB-ready prospects and young talent from all areas, this Gators team came together to make one of the most unthinkable (and exciting) postseason runs in NCAA history.

“There’s really no moment that I take for granted,” Caglianone said. “To be able to wear this jersey for the last three years is something I’ll never take for granted. All these guys that have worn it before us, we’re just trying to make them proud. We really appreciate what Florida is all about and everything that Florida is all about.”

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