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Gainesville, FLA – The top ranked Florida baseball team ran its record to 4-0 on the season after beating Eastern Michigan 12-4 Tuesday night in Gainesville.
After giving up a run in the top of the first, the Gators struck for four runs in their half of the inning. Pete Alonso had a two-run double and freshman Deacon Liput drove in a run with a double. The Gators put the game away with a five run third inning, highlighted by a two run homer by sophomore JJ Schwarz. Schwarz says he has to stay calm and be patient to get the results he’s looking for. Alonso hit another two run double for the Gators in the inning as well.
Offensively, Alonso drove in four runs, and five Gators had two hits on the night, including the freshman, Liput. Gator coach Kevin O’Sullivan believes when Liput puts the power behind the ball he has a solid swing. Schwarz also says it’s amazing the type of discipline and maturity Deacon has even though he is a freshman. Buddy Reed tripled to left field in the sixth and tagged home with an RBI grounder from Kolozsvary.
On the mound, starter Dane Dunning got the win, throwing 74 pitches before being removed in the fourth inning; he allowed two runs on four hits. O’Sullivan says he knows Dunning is a great player and now that the first time jitters are gone he should show a better performance on the mound in the future. Freshman Brady Singer relieved Dunning and gave up no runs in an inning and a third of relief and Shaun Anderson gave up no runs in two innings. Lefty Kirby Snead gave up an unearned run in one inning and freshman lefty Hunter Bowling made his season debut and gave up a run in an inning of work.
Eastern Michigan shortstop Marquise Gill had two hits and scored a run while designated hitter Brennan Williams and outfielder Mike Mioduszewski each had two hits for the Eagles, who fall to 3-2 on the year.
Up next the Gators will take on the Eagles in Lakeland at Joker Marchant Stadium Wednesday, the spring home of the Detroit Tigers. Alonso says this will be a great trip for the freshmen to get their feet wet in away action. Hear live coverage on ESPN Gainesville 95.3 FM and AM 850 WRUF starting at 6:55 p.m.
