Florida Baseball Drops Series Opener Against Mississippi State 7-3

Florida starter Jonathon Crawford went from shutout to shot-down after falling to 1-5 on the season. Following his complete game gem against Ole Miss last Saturday, Crawford threw five innings, gave up six hits allowed five runs, two of them earned, struck out four and walked five in tonight’s start.

The Gators opened the scoring in the top of the first on an RBI double by catcher Taylor Gushue driving in center fielder Harrison Bader. Gushue was the lone bright spot for the Gators collecting three of Florida’s eight hits. All three of them were doubles.

The Bulldogs were able to pull away in the bottom of the third. Florida and Mississippi State were tied at one with one out and runners at the corners. Crawford walked the bases loaded then a pass ball allowed the Bulldogs to take the 2-1 lead and never looked back.

The junior right-hander then reloaded the bases and Sam Frost took advantage driving the ball to left-field for the sacrifice fly giving the Bulldogs the 3-1 lead. Mississippi State was able to score another run to make it 4-1 after an error.

The loss in Starkville snaps a three game win streak for the Gators. Florida fell to 14-17 overall and 4-6 in SEC play. With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 25-8 and 4-6 respectively.

Florida will look to even the series against Mississippi State on Saturday when southpaw Danny Young takes the mound. Young is 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA. The Bulldogs will counter with senior right-hander Kendall Graveman. Graveman is 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA.

Country 103-7 the Gator has the call between the Gators and Bulldogs. Coverage begins 3:55pm.