GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jac Caglianone hit two home runs, driving in five runs, and Florida defeated Connecticut 8-2 on Sunday in an elimination game at the Gainesville regional.
The Gators (46-15) advance to the championship round against Texas Tech and will have to beat the Red Raiders twice to reach the super regionals. No. 3 seed Texas Tech defeated top-seeded Florida 5-4 on Saturday.
Caglianone's three-run home run in the fourth inning gave the Gators a 5-1 lead. Starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep continued to dominate the Huskies and left with a 6-1 lead through seven innings. Caglianone added a two-run home run in the eighth.
Waldrep (8-3) allowed one run on five hits with 12 strikeouts. Nick Ficarrotta came on in the eighth and allowed one run in two innings. He struck out five.
Tyler Shelnut went 2-for-3 and scored twice for the Gators. Wyatt Langford went 0-for-3 but was credited with two RBIs, on a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly.
Ben Huber went 3-for-4 for Connecticut (44-17-1).
On Friday, Caglianone pitched 6 innings in the 3-0 victory over Florida A&M. The sophomore surrendered only four hits and three walks and struck out seven.
