Florida Edges Past No. 9 Florida State In Classic Rivalry To Clinch Season Series

In a nail-biting clash that showcased one of college baseball’s fiercest rivalries, the Florida Gators edged out the ninth-ranked Florida State Seminoles 5-4 on Tuesday night in Gainesville. With this victory, Florida not only overcame a late comeback effort from FSU but also locked up the coveted season series, marking an impressive turnaround and adding yet another chapter to their storied in-state showdown.

The significance of this win stretches beyond bragging rights. It represents Florida’s seventh season series triumph over Florida State in the last eight years, underscoring their recent dominance in these high-stakes encounters under Coach Kevin O'Sullivan. The Gators have now claimed 10 of the 16 series during his tenure, including an eye-catching 24 wins in their last 32 face-offs.

Tuesday’s game was a classic display of resilience and timely hitting. Rookie sensation Brendan Lawson emerged as the night’s hero, delivering a towering three-run homer in the fifth inning that broke a 2-2 deadlock and propelled the Gators to a decisive lead they clung to until the final out. Lawson finished with four RBIs, including an earlier RBI double, highlighting his maturity beyond his freshman status. Coach O'Sullivan praised him lavishly, noting, “He just continues to amaze...his feel for the strike zone, he doesn’t chase up, doesn’t chase down. He’s done a really, really good job.”

The Gators capitalized efficiently on their opportunities, scoring four of their five runs with two outs and turning three double plays to stymie FSU’s rallies. Closer Jake Clemente shone bright, retiring all six batters he faced—including four by strikeout—to secure his first career save in emphatic fashion. Starter Jackson Barberi also impressed with three strong innings of one-run pitching, setting the tone early with aggressive command.

Despite the loss, Florida State showed remarkable fight. Redshirt freshman Brody DeLamielleure had a stellar night with his fourth homer of the season, two hits, and three runs scored, contributing to FSU’s persistent comeback attempts. Myles Bailey added two hits and an RBI, as the Seminoles erased one-run deficits twice before Lawson’s blast created a gap they couldn’t quite close.

In the pivotal seventh inning, Florida State clawed back with two clutch two-out runs, cutting the margin to 5-4 and putting the tying run at third base. Nevertheless, Florida’s bullpen held firm, extinguishing the threat and blanking FSU over the final two frames to clinch the win.

Statistically, the contest was tight—FSU outhit Florida eight to six, and neither team committed an error. Yet, the Gators’ knack for converting in crunch moments and their defensive acuity made the ultimate difference.

This game serves as a microcosm of the rivalry: tense, unpredictable, and packed with individual heroics. The Gators hope the momentum from this emotional win will carry into their upcoming SEC series versus Missouri starting Thursday, while the Seminoles turn their focus to a critical ACC matchup against No. 25 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

With the postseason in sight, both teams will look to build on lessons from this showdown. The Gators proved their mettle when it mattered most, while the Seminoles demonstrated their refusal to quit—setting the stage for potentially more fireworks should their paths cross again.

What are your thoughts on this intense rivalry and Florida’s big victory? Can FSU bounce back stronger heading toward tournament play? Share your views in the comments below!

• Brendan Lawson
• Florida Gators
• Florida State Seminoles

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