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The Florida Gators were unable to salvage the series against No. 2 Tennessee after falling 7-4 in Sunday’s finale at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.
After taking an early 4-1 lead in the fourth inning, the Gators’ bullpen faltered down the stretch by allowing six unanswered runs as the Vols (20-0, 3-0 SEC) completed the three-game sweep.
Final from the finale.
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— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) March 16, 2025
The Gators (16-5, 0-3) broke through in the fourth inning by capitalizing on a series of Tennessee defensive miscues. After Bobby Boser reached on an error, Colby Shelton followed with an infield single. Brendan Lawson later drew a walk to set the stage for Ty Evans, who roped a two-run double to give Florida a 2-1 lead. A Tennessee fielding error and a double steal brought in two more runs to extend the lead to 4-1.
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But Florida’s momentum was short-lived. In the bottom half of the inning, starter Jake Clemente issued a leadoff walk and a hit-by-pitch before being lifted for Billy Barlow. The Gators’ bullpen struggled immediately, allowing a bases-loaded walk and a fielder’s choice that brought in another run to trim the lead to 4-2.
Tennessee Rallies Late
Barlow ran into more trouble in the sixth by issuing two two-out walks before Tennessee delivered a two-run double to give the Vols a 5-4 lead.
Alex Philpott took over in relief and kept the deficit at one run until the eighth, when Tennessee landed the decisive blow. After a leadoff double, the Vols launched a two-run homer to left to extend their lead to 7-4.
Florida had a chance to rally in the ninth when Lawson walked and Evans singled, but Tennessee struck out the final two batters to seal the victory.
Pitching Struggles Continue
Clemente turned in a solid start, allowing two earned runs over three innings while striking out three. Barlow struggled with command, walking four batters and allowing three earned runs in 2.2 innings. Philpott gave up two runs in 2.1 innings, including the eighth-inning homer that put the game out of reach. This is a returning struggle that started at the end of the Miami series and the Gators still seem to be struggling with.
Up Next
The Gators will look to rebound as they return home to face Jacksonville at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (SEC Network+, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF) and FAMU at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (SEC Network+, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF) before hosting Georgia for their first home conference series of the season starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday (SEC Network+, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF and WJXL 1010-AM).
