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Brandon Neely pitches Florida Gators past Oklahoma State

Untitled designby: Nick de la Torre06/03/24delatorre
Florida Gators pitcher Brandon Neely (Photo courtesy of UAA Communications)
Florida Gators pitcher Brandon Neely (Photo courtesy of UAA Communications)

Brandon Neely rushed out to the bullpen beyond the right field wall just moments before the Oklahoma State Cowboys took a 2-1 lead over the Florida Gators in a game where a loss would end Florida’s season. One walk later, the bases were loaded with just one out and Kevin O’Sullivan made the call to No. 22.

Based loaded, one-out, facing the same lineup that, just a day ago, had pounced on Golden Spikes semifinalist, Jac Caglianone, is a daunting task.

“I’ve been in a few high pressure situations,” Neely said after the game. “Especially last year in the College World Series. I just went right at them with nothing to lose, gave it my all and said hit it.”

Hit it they wouldn’t.

Neely struck out a career-high 11 batters over 5.2 innings of relief, helping the Gators keep their season alive for at least one more day with a 5-2 win.

Neely was helped by sophomore shortstop Colby Shelton, who blasted 3-run home run on a 1-0 offering into the same bullpen Neely had run out of two innings prior, which gave Florida a 4-2 lead at the time. Florida would add a fourth run in the frame to make it 5-3.

Florida’s pitching staff has been limited due to injuries. True freshman and 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year Christian Rodriguez missed the season with an elbow injury, two other freshmen have had Tommy John. The Gators had used Liam Peterson, Jac Caglianone, Pierce Coppola and Cade Fisher already. Florida needed Neely to go as long as he could.

“I wasn’t letting Sully take it out of my hands,” Neely said after the game. “I was telling Sully I’m not letting the ball get taken out of my hands.”

With that mindset, Neely made sure the thought wouldn’t cross his manager’s mind.

Players of the Game

Brandon Neely:

What’s next for the Florida Gators?

Florida and Oklahoma State will play in an elimination game on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Box Score:

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