Florida rallies past Clemson in Game 1 of Super Regional

The Florida Gators took care of business on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of the Clemson Super Regional vs. the Clemson Tigers, even though they came out of the gates a bit slow. Florida trailed in the first few innings, but managed to flip things around in a hurry in the fifth inning, pulling away for a 10-7 win.

The Gators broke things open in the fifth, jumping out to a 9-4 lead over the Tigers. Florida hammered Clemson for seven runs off of just four hits.

It was the third most runs the Gators have scored in an inning all season long. Slugger Jac Caglianone did what he’s done for the better part of the past few years — obliterate a baseball. The superstar hit a three-run blast in the fifth inning, making it his 32nd home run of the 2024 campaign. It was a pivotal blast as he gave Florida a 5-4 edge, and the rest of the Gators’ offense piled on the runs from there.

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In the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers got a solo homer from Tristan Bissetta to make the score 9-5.

Clemson tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to close the Florida lead to 9-7. The Tigers have had 25 comeback wins this season, including a deficit of nine runs which they clawed their way back to victory against the Florida State Seminoles. But Saturday afternoon wasn’t one of them.

Florida slugger Luke Heyman blasted a solo shot in the top of the ninth inning to tack on an insurance run for the Gators. That made the score 10-7.

The Tigers jumped all over Florida early in this one, leading 4-1 in the bottom of the third inning. Slugger Jimmy Obertop hit a solo shot to left field to give the Tigers a three-run lead. Florida’s Tyler Shelnut blasted a solo homer to cut the Clemson lead to 4-2 in the top of the fourth inning.

Florida pitcher Brandon Neely delivered a great performance on Saturday for the Gators, striking out seven batters and allowing zero earned runs in four innings of work.

With the win, Florida improved their overall record to 33-28. Clemson’s overall record dropped to 44-15 overall.

It’s the 18th comeback win for the Gators this season. And now, they are just one win away from punching their tickets to Omaha for the 2024 College World Series.

Florida is looking to make their 14th appearance in the College World Series, and their second straight. Clemson, on the other hand, is looking to make their 13th appearance in the College World Series. It would be their first appearance since 2010.

Game 2 will be at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. Start time is set for 2:30 p.m. EST and the game will be nationally televised on ESPN. You can also stream it on FuboTV.