Thomas’ walkoff clinches the series for Florida over Mississippi State
By Zach Moore | 4:30pmOn a beautiful Easter Sunday, Florida entered its third SEC rubber match of the season, and it was only fitting that it came down to the last pitch.
On a beautiful Easter Sunday, Florida entered its third SEC rubber match of the season, and it was only fitting that it came down to the last pitch.
No. 21 Florida (14-11, 5-7 SEC) left fans with one last home victory as it cruised to a 7-0 win at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex. The victory marked the third time this season that Florida closed out a doubleheader with a second-half win after losing the first matchup and its fourth shutout victory of the season.
On a weekend that featured senior spotlights, weather delays and outdoor debuts, several Gators found ways to shine at the UF’s Pepsi Relays.
Following a Friday night pitcher’s duel where both teams combined for five hits overall, many thought the same would ensue Saturday.
Coming into Saturday’s matchup, it was strength versus strength. No. 7 Florida entered with the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense, averaging 16.6 goals per game. No. 16 Colorado countered with the No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just over six goals per contest.
While a Senior Day sendoff normally brings celebration, the Gators were left searching for answers against No. 7 Louisiana State University.
Fast forward about a year. Florida fans are facing the reality they will not experience the same level of excitement. Instead, following a second-round exit to Iowa March 22, Gators fans will spend Saturday’s Final Four games without the defending national champions competing, if they even choose to watch.
King’s outing propelled Florida (24-8, 7-4 SEC) to a 2-0 shutout win over Ole Miss (21-11, 4-7 SEC) Friday night at Condron Family Ballpark to even the series.
Cahalan’s long ball propelled No. 5 Florida (35-4, 10-3 SEC) over No. 13 Mississippi State (32-8, 4-6 SEC) 2-0 on Friday at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. The victory marks UF’s third straight win over Mississippi State, and it will search for its fourth straight series victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Fresh off their 13th conference title, the Gators are headed to the 2026 NCAA Tempe Regional Final after a star-studded second-round outing. No. 3 Florida topped three other programs in Thursday’s Session II in Arizona, led by renowned performances across the board.
UF sophomore infielder Ethan Surowiec and junior infielder Cade Kurland put up elite performances behind the plate, combining for six hits, two home runs and six RBIs.
With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Gators are turning the corner to finish strong. They looked to improve their Southeastern Conference record before going on the road for their last two matches.
The No. 16 Florida Gators (13-4, 8-3 SEC) fell short to the No. 6 Texas Longhorns (18-3, 10-1 SEC) 4-0 on Thursday in the first matchday of their road stretch.
Arguably no part of the Florida football roster has more top-end talent or quality depth than the wide receiver room. And throughout Spring practice, they have proven a strong case to back up that argument.
No team enters the 2026 NCAA Division I Gymnastics Tournament on a hotter run than the No. 3 Florida Gators.