Jac Caglianone 8th inning single ties program record 30-game hit streak
During Florida’s series-ending showdown against Kentucky on Sunday, UF superstar Jac Caglianone recorded a hit for the 30th consecutive game, tying the program record.
It was Caglianone’s second time on base during the game. Kentucky intentionally walked the All-American in the third inning. The Wildcats also walked Caglianone four times during their loss against the Gators on Saturday.
Caglianone had an excellent day on the mound, as well. In 6.1 innings, Caglianone only allowed three runs while also tallying three strikeouts.
Jac Caglianone ties NCAA home run record
Of course, Caglianone is no stranger to history. In Florida’s win over Vanderbilt on April 19, the Gators’ standout tied the NCAA record for consecutive games with a home run (9).
Caglianone’s nine-straight games with a HR tied Nevada’s Tyler Bosetti, who accomplished the feat in 2021. Duke’s Ryan Jackson and Georgia Tech’s Andy Bruce now trail the pair, both boasting eight-game home-run streaks.
Caglianone has 28 home runs and 55 RBI this season while boasting a .417 batting average. The Florida native is nearing Florida’s career record for home runs. He currently is in second place behind Matt LaPorta, who knocked out 74 home runs while spending four seasons in school.
Caglianone has the second-most homers in the NCAA this season, only trailing Georgia’s Charlie Condon. Despite his endless accolades this season, Caglianone insists he isn’t focused on the individual statistics.
“I’m just taking it day by day,” Caglianone said. “I’d give anything to play with these guys as long as possible everybody puts hard work in and we all want to get to the same place at the end of the year and we’re all really close.”
Kevin O’Sullivan raves about senior class
Caglianone won’t have much longer with his teammates. Ahead of the game on Sunday, Florida held its annual Senior Day celebration. During an in-game interview, UF head coach Kevin O’Sullivan pulled back the curtain on the special day.
“Well, it’s bittersweet, obviously. It’s a special day,” O’Sullivan said. “We look forward to it every year and, obviously, it was a really good, cool moment. I think we had six seniors and a manager that we were able to recognize today and obviously we’re hoping we can play a little bit better here in the second half of the game and send these guys off on a positive note.”
Utilityman Armando Albert, catcher Tanner Garrison, outfielder Jaylen Guy, relief pitcher Blake Purnell, left fielder/third baseman Tyler Shelnut, relief pitcher Ryan Slater and third baseman Dale Thomas participated in the Senior Day festivities.
However, it’s worth noting Purnell and Shelnut each have one year of eligibility remaining. Caglianone is expected to enter the 2024 MLB Draft after this season.