Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (03/23/2026) — A trio of University of Florida pitchers combined for a dominant four-hit shutout, and a decisive four-run seventh inning powered the Florida Gators to a 5-0 victory over the rival Florida State Seminoles on Monday night at VyStar Ballpark.
Russell Sandefer, Luke McNeillie, and Jackson Barberi systematically dismantled the Seminoles' lineup, collectively striking out 16 batters while allowing just four singles in a masterful performance on the mound. The win gives the Gators a key non-conference victory in the heated Sunshine State rivalry.
How It Happened
The contest began as a classic pitcher's duel. The Gators manufactured an early run in the bottom of the second inning to take a lead they would never relinquish. After Ethan Surowiec reached base, he eventually scored on a fielder's choice bunt from Cash Strayer, giving Florida a slim 1-0 advantage.
For the next four innings, both offenses were held in check. Florida State starter Cooper Whited was effective, surrendering just one run on three hits over 3.2 innings while striking out four. For the Gators, Sandefer set the tone with three scoreless innings, fanning four and allowing only one hit.
McNeillie relieved Sandefer and was even more formidable, striking out six Seminoles over his three perfect innings of work. The game remained a tense 1-0 affair until Florida's offense erupted in the bottom of the seventh.
Turning Point
The game broke open in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Gators loaded the bases, and the patient approach at the plate paid off. Karson Bowen drew a four-pitch walk, forcing in Brendan Lawson to double the lead to 2-0.
With the pressure mounting, Ethan Surowiec delivered a clutch RBI single through the left side, scoring another run to make it 3-0. The inning's decisive blow came from Blake Cyr, who laced a two-run single up the middle, scoring Bowen and another runner to extend Florida's lead to a commanding 5-0. The four-run outburst provided more than enough insurance for the Gators' pitching staff to close out the game.
Stars of the Game
The story of the night was the Florida Gators' pitching staff. The combined effort of Sandefer (3.0 IP, 1 H, 4 K), McNeillie (3.0 IP, 2 H, 6 K), and Barberi (3.0 IP, 1 H, 6 K) resulted in a complete-game shutout that overwhelmed the Seminoles.
Offensively, second baseman Blake Cyr provided the game-sealing hit, finishing 2-for-4 with two crucial RBIs. Ethan Surowiec also had a multi-hit night, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Brendan Lawson demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing three walks and scoring a run.
For the Florida State Seminoles, the offense struggled to gain traction against the Gators' arms. Kelvyn Paulino Jr., Noah Sheffield, John Stuetzer, and Will Bavaro each recorded one single. On the mound, reliever Cole Stokes was charged with four runs in 2.2 innings, despite striking out four and not allowing a hit.
What It Means
For the Florida Gators, the victory is a significant morale boost and a statement win over an in-state rival. The exceptional performance from the pitching staff provides a blueprint for success as they navigate the heart of their SEC schedule. The timely hitting in the seventh inning showcased an offense capable of breaking a game open when needed.
The Florida State Seminoles faced a tough night at the plate and will look to reset offensively. The strong start from Cooper Whited was a positive takeaway, but the inability to solve the Gators' bullpen ultimately defined the outcome. The loss serves as a challenging non-conference test before the Seminoles return to their own league play.