Baseball Falls To No. 24 Florida In The Ninth
Feb. 12, 2000
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida (4-3) scored twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to erase a 3-2 deficit and extend its home-winning streak over the University of Miami (4-4) to nine straight games with a 4-3 win at McKethan Stadium.
The Hurricanes, who have not won in Gainesville since February 5, 1995, came back from one run down in the top of the seventh with a two-run home run to left field by second baseman Kris Clute to go ahead 3-2. The Gators had taken their first lead of the game, 2-1, in the bottom of the sixth with two runs of their own, including a solo home run by left fielder Kurt Keene.
UM starter David Gil earned his second straight no-decision after pitching seven innings with five hits, two earned runs and five strikeouts. Gil still has a 14-game win streak still in tact dating back to the 1998 season.
In the top of the ninth, Miami loaded the bases with no outs but were unable to score a run after a force out at home play and a double-play following a Javy Rodriguez grounder to second.
After Hurricane closer Luke DeBold (1-1) struck out the side in the eighth, UF catcher Tony Socarras hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the score 1-1. The Gators proceeded in loading the bases with two outs, but UM right fielder Charlton Jimerson misplayed a fly to allow the winning run to cross home plate.
Miami and Florida will meet in the final game at McKethan Stadium at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
