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Florida takes series opener vs. Alabama with 7-6 comeback win

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi05/15/25ZachAbolverdi
Florida-Gators-Ty-Evans
Florida's Ty Evans. (Photo by @GatorsBB/UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 23 Florida Gators overcame a five-run deficit and injuries to two starters to take the series opener against No. 18 Alabama with a 7-6 comeback win, their largest rally in over two years.

After falling behind 5-0 in the third, Florida scored seven runs in the next four innings. UF had a three-spot in the fifth to cut it to one and took the lead with Brody Donay’s two-run homer in the seventh.

Securing its 15th win this season in come-from-behind fashion, Florida (36-18, 14-14 SEC) is now at .500 in SEC play for the first time after rattling off wins in 13 of its last 16 SEC contests and 16 of 20 overall.

Florida vs. Alabama Live Blog

End of 9th: Florida 7, Alabama 6

Clemente tossed a 1-2-3 frame in the ninth to close out the game. He finished with two Ks and one walk and McNellie threw four Ks with one hit and a walk in his 2.0 innings.

End of 8th: Florida 7, Alabama 6

The Gators maintained their one-run edge as Florida closer Jake Clemente replaced McNellie and threw one K. He’s three outs away from clinching the comeback victory.

End of 7th: Florida 7, Alabama 6

Following a 1-2-3 frame from McNeillie with his fourth strikeout, the Gators took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the seventh with Donay’s two-run homer to right center. It was the 15th dinger of the season for Donay.

End of 6th: Alabama 6, Florida 5

Both teams traded scores in the sixth as Bobby Boser’s RBI single plated Blake Brookins after his first career hit, a one-out double. Brendan Lawson committed a brutal error to miss a tag at first and allowed Alabama to add a run. Luke McNeillie threw three strikeouts in his first frame after replacing Peterson, who finished with four Ks, five hits, five runs and two walks in 5.0 innings (87 P, 49 S).

End of 5th: Alabama 5, Florida 4

After a 1-2-3 frame by Peterson, Florida cut the deficit to one with a three-spot in the fifth, scoring all three runs with two-out hits. UF had three straight hits, including an RBI single by Stripling and RBI double by Ty Evans, then Donay smashed an RBI single following a walk, forcing the Tide to make their second pitching change of the inning.

End of 4th: Alabama 5, Florida 1

Landon Stripling was hit by a pitch for a leadoff walk and then scored UF’s first run on a wild pitch. Florida had to burn the redshirt for Blake Brookins to play him in left field. He replaced Blake Cyr, who moved to 2B after the injury to Justin Nadeau.

End of 3rd: Alabama 5, Florida 0

Peterson gave up another two-run shot — this time by Justin Lebron — and then back-to-back hits, including an RBI single by Jason Torres, along with two walks. Alabama pitcher Tyler Fay tossed a 1-2-3 frame and has allowed just one hit with two Ks.

End of 2nd: Alabama 2, Florida 0

Peterson responded in the second with a 1-2-3 frame. First baseman Brody Donay replaced Heyman at catcher, while Landon Stripling subbed in at 1B.

End of 1st: Alabama 2, Florida 0

The Tide took the lead with a two-run homer by Richie Bonomolo Jr. Florida pitcher Liam Peterson struck out the next batter for his second K and the last out. UF catch Luke Heyman was hit by a pitch and left the game with an injury.

Florida Gators Starting Lineup

1. SS Bobby Boser
2. 3B Brendan Lawson
3. C Luke Heyman
4. DH Ty Evans
5. LF Blake Cyr
6. 1B Brody Donay
7. CF Hayden Yost
8. RF Ashton Wilson
9. 2B Justin Nadeau

SP: RHP Liam Peterson

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