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Wyatt Langford reveals importance of key at-bats from Ty Evans

Grant Grubbsby:Grant Grubbs•06/18/23•

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Photo by Michael Wade | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Every at-bat matters. Nonetheless, some are more important than others. Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford discussed the significance of Ty Evans’ at-bats in the Gators’ 6-5 win over Virginia on Friday in the College World Series.

“Ty, he’s put in the work all year. Like [head coach Kevin O’Sullivan] said, he’s probably disappointed with the amount of playing time, but he’s stuck it out, and he knew his time was going to come. That’s just how this game goes. We have so many guys on the bench that can perform. And he was the guy that got his number called tonight,” Langford said following Florida’s win.

Evans was pivotal on Friday night. Evans recorded hits in both of his at-bats in the triumph, including a game-changing home run in the bottom of the ninth innings. For reference, Evans only had four home runs this season entering the game on Friday.

Evans couldn’t have found a better time to get hot. The Gators entered the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing Virginia 5-3. Evans’ dinger sparked a fiery Florida comeback, eventually leading to a walk-off hit by Luke Heyman.

Florida catcher BT Riopelle insists the Gators never lost focus.

“The wind is blowing in, and the ball wasn’t flying and helping us to our advantage. It was a little frustrating, but all you can do is just move on. Your best players have to play the best in the right moments to win games. And, we did that tonight,” Riopelle said.

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Before the historic win, nobody would have called Evans one of Florida’s best players. Evans has appeared in just 39 of Florida’s 66 games. The 6-foot-2 sophomore is batting .228 this season while adding 35 RBIs.

Evans’ teammates couldn’t be happier for him.

“Ty — he’s put his head down and is grinding. Even when he’s not playing he’s one of the best teammates in the dugout, and — being one of the best teammates in the dugout when his number is called. That swing there gave us so much momentum,” Florida pitcher Brandon Sproat said after the game.

Florida will need Evans to show up again on Sunday. The Gators will square off against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at 7 p.m. ET in the Double Elimination Round of the College World Series. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.