Gators Baseball Faces Seminoles in Gainesville For Series Finale

The Florida Gators will host the Florida State Seminoles on Tuesday night in Gainesville for the final leg of their three-game, in-state rivalry series.

On Deck 🗓️⤵️#GoGators pic.twitter.com/JSz4mVYO8R

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) April 7, 2025

The two teams have split the first two matchups—both full of emotion, energy, and late-inning swings. With the series tied 1-1, Tuesday’s rubber match carries weight not just for bragging rights, but also for a Gators team desperate to get back on track.

It Leads Up to This

The Gators took the first game on March 11 in Tallahassee, handing the Seminoles their first loss of the season in a 7-2 statement win. Colby Shelton starred with a 2-for-3 day, launching a home run, driving in three and reaching base four times. Florida’s pitching staff had arguably its most complete outing of the season, combining for 10 strikeouts while allowing just two earned runs and six hits.

But the Seminoles responded in Game 2 on March 25 with a dramatic walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to claim an 8-4 win in Jacksonville. The Gators had taken a 4-3 lead into the final frame before the bullpen unraveled. Despite an electric stretch from the offense in the top of the ninth, Alex Philpott surrendered five earned runs in the ninth, including the walk-off grand slam to seal the deal for the Seminoles.

Gators Reeling in SEC Play

Since that heartbreaking loss, Florida has continued to stumble, especially in SEC play. After getting swept by Vanderbilt this past weekend, the Gators are now 1-11 in conference play, with a 20-14 record overall. In their series with the Commodores, Florida was outscored 20-5 across three games, marking their third SEC sweep in just four series.

Final from the finale.

Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/X9M8li7l1o

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) April 6, 2025

A win over Florida State wouldn’t fix everything, but it would certainly provide a much-needed morale boost and restore some rhythm heading into the back half of the season.

What to Watch

Look for head coach Kevin O’Sullivan to mix and match on the mound, as midweek games often serve as bullpen-heavy affairs. The Gators will need the hot bats of Luke Heyman and Colby Shelton, especially as the Gators try to shake off recent offensive struggles, as Florida managed just five total runs in the Vanderbilt series.

Meanwhile, Florida State enters with confidence and the memory of that grand slam still fresh. If the Gators want to avoid a season series loss to their rival and build some momentum, Tuesday night is a must-win.

Up Next

Following Tuesdays matchup, the Gators will host Missouri in Gainesville with game one on Thursday, game two on Friday and game three on Saturday. This will mark the Gators first SEC series that will not be against a Top 25 team.