How it Happened: Florida Gators beat Clemson Tigers in 13 innings
CLEMSON, S.C. — The Florida Gators advanced to the 2024 College World Series with an 11-10, 13-inning win over the Clemson Tigers on Sunday afternoon. This will be the ninth trip to the College World Series for Kevin O’Sullivan in his 17 seasons at the helm of the Gators.
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Scoreboard:
Clemson 10-13-1
Florida 11-12-1
13th inning
Top 13
OLENCHUK hit by pitch (0-0).
PARKS out at first c to 1b, picked off.
PURIFY flied out to lf (1-0 B).
MATHES homered to right center, RBI (1-2 KFB). /// (Clemson 10-9)
**Getting clarification from the ESPN broadcast … Mathes wasn’t ejected but Clemson manager Erik Bakich and assistant (former head coach) Jack Leggett were both ejected.
HINDERLEIDER lined out to 2b (1-2 KBFF).
CU Inning Summary: 1 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 13
HEYMAN singled to shortstop (1-0 B).
SHELNUT singled to left center (1-1 BF); HEYMAN advanced to second.
THOMAS grounded out to 3b, SAC, bunt (2-0 BB); SHELNUT advanced to second; GUY advanced to third.
DONAY intentionally walked.
ROBERTSON doubled to left center, 2 RBI (1-0 B); DONAY advanced to third; SHELNUT scored; GUY scored. /// (Florida 11-10)
FLA Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
12th inning
Top 12
**Freshman LHP Frank Menendez in the game for Florida.
OBERTOP walked (3-2 BKBSFBFB).
**Freshman RHP Luke McNeillie in the game for Florida.
BISSETTA grounded into double play 2b to ss to 1b (3-2 BBFBF); OBERTOP out on the play.
McCLADDIE struck out swinging (2-2 BBKSS).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 12
ROBERTSON walked (3-1 FBBBB).
**Ethan Darden takes over on the mound for Clemson
KURLAND flied out to cf (1-0 B).
CAGLIANONE struck out swinging (0-2 FSS).
** Jacob Hinderleider and Jarren Purify collide trying to get to a ball up the middle … Gators will have the winning run 90-feet from home. Both Tigers seem to be ok after getting checked out by trainers.
SHELTON struck out swinging (3-2 FSFBFBFBS).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
11th inning
Top 11
MATHES flied out to cf (1-0 B).
HINDERLEIDER singled to shortstop (1-2 KBF).
WRIGHT flied out to cf (2-2 BSFFFB).
** Kevin O’Sullivan used his sixth and final mound visit to talk to Brandon Neely but will leave the junior in to face Cam Cannarella.
CANNARELLA grounded out to 1b unassisted (3-2 KBSBFBF).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Bottom 11
**Billy Barlow takes over on the mound for Clemson
SHELTON flied out to lf (0-2 SF).
HEYMAN struck out swinging (3-2 FBBSBS).
SHELNUT walked (3-2 BKBSFFBB).
THOMAS walked (3-0 BBBB); SHELNUT advanced to second.
** Freshman Drew Titsworth will pitch to Brody Donay with a 2-0 count
DONAY flied out to rf (2-0 BB).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
10th inning
Top 10
McCLADDIE grounded out to 2b (1-1 BF).
**Ty Olenchuk is pinch-hitting for Clemson
OLENCHUK struck out looking (3-2 BBBKKK).
PURIFY grounded out to 2b (1-1 SB).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 10
DONAY struck out looking (1-2 BKFK).
ROBERTSON grounded out to 1b unassisted (1-2 KFB).
KURLAND reached on a fielding error by 3b, advanced to second on the error (1-0 B).
CAGLIANONE intentionally walked.
WILSON flied out to cf (1-1 FB).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 1 Errors, 2 LOB
9th inning
Top 9
MATHES lined out to 2b (0-2 FS).
HINDERLEIDER singled through the left side (1-0 B).
CANNARELLA homered to right field, 3 RBI (0-0); WRIGHT scored; HINDERLEIDER scored. /// (Tied at 9)
OBERTOP struck out looking (1-2 SBKK).
BISSETTA struck out swinging (1-2 KBSS).
CU Inning Summary: 3 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 9
HEYMAN struck out looking (2-2 BSBFFK).
SHELNUT struck out swinging (2-2 BBSFS).
THOMAS lined out to 2b (3-2 BBSFB).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
8th inning
Top 8
WRIGHT singled to third base, advanced to second on a throwing error by 3b (2-1 KBB).
CANNARELLA singled to left center, RBI (0-0); WRIGHT scored, unearned. /// (Florida 7-5)
OBERTOP walked (3-1 BFBBB); CANNARELLA advanced to second.
** The Florida Gators will ask Brandon Neely to get the final six outs of the game. Neely threw 59 pitches in Florida’s win on Saturday.
BISSETTA struck out swinging (1-2 KSFFBS).
McCLADDIE singled through the right side, RBI (3-2 BSSFBB); OBERTOP advanced to second; CANNARELLA scored. /// (Florida 7-6)
NAWROCKI flied out to rf (1-1 FB).
PURIFY flied out to rf (3-2 FFBBBF).
CU Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 3 Hits, 1 Errors, 2 LOB
Bottom 8
ROBERTSON struck out looking (1-2 KSBFK).
KURLAND lined out to ss (1-2 BFF).
CAGLIANONE intentionally walked.
WILSON homered to left center, 2 RBI (2-1 BBK); CAGLIANONE scored. /// (Florida 9-6)
SHELTON struck out swinging (1-2 BSFS).
FLA Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
7th inning
Top 7
PURIFY struck out swinging (1-2 KBFS).
MATHES struck out looking (3-2 BBKBKK).
HINDERLEIDER struck out swinging (2-2 KBBFS).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 7
HEYMAN lined out to ss (0-1 F).
SHELNUT struck out looking (1-2 KFBK).
DONAY struck out swinging (1-2 FBSS).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Sixth inning
Top 6
CANNARELLA lined out to ss (1-0 B).
** Florida shortstop Colby Shelton timed his leap perfectly to make the snag.
OBERTOP homered to left field, RBI (0-1 K). /// (Florida 5-4)
BISSETTA struck out swinging (0-2 KFS).
McCLADDIE walked (3-1 BBKBB).
**Florida is turning to Jake Clemente here in the T6 with two outs and the tying run on first.
NAWROCKI grounded out to 2b (1-0 B).
** That’s as good of a play as you’ll see from a second baseman. Cade Kurland laid out to his left, made a diving snag, got up and made the throw just in time to first base.
CU Inning Summary: 1 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Bottom 6
THOMAS singled up the middle (1-2 KFBF).
DONAY homered to right center, 2 RBI (2-0 BB); THOMAS scored. /// (Florida 7-4)
**Austin Gordon takes over on the mound for Clemson.
ROBERTSON singled to shortstop (2-2 KKFBB).
KURLAND struck out swinging (2-2 BKFBS).
CAGLIANONE hit by pitch (0-0); ROBERTSON advanced to second.
WILSON struck out swinging (1-2 FSBS).
SHELTON struck out swinging (2-2 SKBFFBS).
FLA Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 3 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
Fifth inning
Top 5
PURIFY hit by pitch (0-0).
MATHES flied out to rf (1-2 KBK).
HINDERLEIDER reached on a fielder’s choice to third base (0-0); PURIFY out at second 3b to 2b.
WRIGHT struck out swinging (1-2 BSFS).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Bottom 5
ROBERTSON grounded out to 2b (1-2 KBF).
KURLAND walked (3-2 BBSSFBFB).
CAGLIANONE intentionally walked (2-0 BB); KURLAND advanced to second.
WILSON hit by pitch (0-1 F); CAGLIANONE advanced to second; KURLAND advanced to third.
SHELTON singled to right center, 2 RBI (2-2 FBSB); WILSON advanced to third; CAGLIANONE scored; KURLAND scored. /// (Florida 5-3)
Top 10
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** Reed Garris replaces Aidan Knaak on the mound. Knaak received a standing ovation from the crowd at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
HEYMAN struck out swinging (0-2 FKS).
SHELNUT struck out swinging (1-2 FSFFBS).
FLA Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
Fourth inning
Top 4
BISSETTA struck out swinging (2-2 KBBKS).
McCLADDIE flied out to lf (0-1 K).
** That was McCladdie’s first at bat since April 16 against Charlotte
NAWROCKI flied out to cf (1-1 SB).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 4
SHELNUT struck out looking (0-2 FFFK).
THOMAS grounded out to 2b (1-1 BF).
DONAY lined out to 3b (3-2 BSBSB).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Third inning
Top 3
PURIFY walked (3-1 FBBBB).
MATHES grounded out to 2b (1-0 B).
HINDERLEIDER doubled to right center, RBI (2-2 BKBS); PURIFY scored. /// (Florida 2-1)
WRIGHT homered to center field, 2 RBI (0-0); HINDERLEIDER scored. /// (Clemson 3-2)
CANNARELLA grounded out to 2b (1-2 KBF).
OBERTOP struck out swinging (1-2 BSSS).
CU Inning Summary: 3 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Bottom 3
KURLAND singled to right center (2-2 KBBF).
CAGLIANONE struck out swinging (2-2 SBFBS).
KURLAND advanced to second on a wild pitch.
WILSON grounded out to 3b (3-2 KFBFBB); KURLAND no advance.
SHELTON singled to right center, RBI (2-0 BB); KURLAND scored. /// (Florida 3-3)
HEYMAN flied out to cf (0-2 SFF).
FLA Inning Summary: 1 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Second inning
Top 2
OBERTOP struck out swinging (0-2 KSS).
BISSETTA struck out swinging (3-2 BBKKBS).
CRIGHTON doubled to left center (1-0 B).
NAWROCKI grounded out to p unassisted (1-0 B).
** There was a hard tag from Jac Caglianone on Nolan Nawrocki. Nawrocki and Caglianone got into a shoving match, benches cleared and Clemson first baseman Jack Crighton was ejected from the game.
Botton 2
**Tryston McCladdie replaced Jack Crighton at first base
SHELNUT flied out to cf (0-0).
THOMAS walked (3-2 KSBBBB).
DONAY struck out swinging (0-2 KFS).
ROBERTSON struck out swinging (2-2 KBSBS).
FLA Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
First inning
Top 1
MATHES flied out to lf (3-2 BFBFBFF).
HINDERLEIDER grounded out to 2b (0-0).
WRIGHT doubled down the lf line (1-1 FB).
CANNARELLA grounded out to 2b (2-1 BSB).
CU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Bottom 1
KURLAND hit by pitch (0-0).
CAGLIANONE homered to center field, 2 RBI (0-1 K); KURLAND scored. /// (Florida 2-0)
WILSON flied out to rf (1-0 B).
SHELTON struck out swinging (2-2 FSBBS).
HEYMAN grounded out to ss (0-0).
FLA Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB
Lineups
Clemson
RF Alden Mathes
SS Jacon Hunderleider
3B Blake Wright
CF Cam Cannarella
C Jimmy Obertop
LF Tristan Bissetta
1B Jack Crighton
DH Nolan Nawrocki
2B Jacob Purify
SP: RHP Aidan Knaak(5-1, 2.96 ERA)
Florida
2B Cade Kurland
SP Jac Caglianone
RF Ashton Wilson
SS Colby Shelton
1B Luke Heyman
LF Tyler Shelnut
3B Dale Thomas
C Brody Donay
CF Michael Robertson
SP: LHP Jac Caglianone
Pregame Notes
POSTSEASON POINTS
The Gators are looking to clinch their 14th College World Series berth in program history and ninth of the O’Sullivan era in Clemson this weekend. Playing in the team’s 39th NCAA Tournament, Florida is fresh off its 16th Regional Title and 10th in 17 seasons under O’Sullivan (no NCAA Tournament in 2020). The Gators have reached the postseason in every year of O’Sullivan’s tenure, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 16-straight seasons, which ranks second nationally. In fact, O’Sullivan has now reached the NCAA Tournament in 25-consecutive campaigns dating back to his time at Clemson. Florida enters the weekend with nine Super Regional Titles, with all but one coming under O’Sullivan. Florida is 133-86 (.607) all-time in the NCAA Tournament and 18-8 (.692) in Super Regionals.
RELENTLESS REPTILES
By winning three-straight elimination games to claim the Stillwater Regional, the Gators have now came out on top in seven of their last eight NCAA Tournament elimination games dating back to last season. This year alone, Florida boasts 17 come-from-behind wins, with 12 of the team’s 13 SEC victories occurring in comeback fashion. The Gators wield three walk-off victories this year.
HOW THE MIDWEST WAS WON
For the second year in a row, Florida rallied from a day-two loss in Regionals by winning three-straight elimination games to advance to Supers. Florida defeated Nebraska (5-2) in Stillwater before falling to No. 16 Oklahoma State, 7-1. The Gators then dismantled the Huskers (17-11) before delivering back-to-back wins vs. the Cowboys (5-2, 4-2).
Florida was led by Regional MVP outfielder Ashton Wilson, who opened the tournament with a 4-for-5 showing highlighted by his first homer and never looked back. Wilson went 9-for-21 (.429/.455/.714) with four extra-base hits, six RBI, five runs and two steals. He was joined on the All-Regional Team by first baseman Jac Caglianone (.353/.542/.882, 2 HR), shortstop Colby Shelton (.316/.409/.684, 2 HR), third baseman Dale Thomas (.263/.300/.474, 1 HR) and closer Brandon Neely. The latter was particularly heroic, firing eight shutout innings across two relief appearances, capped off by 5 2/3 one-hit frames with 11 strikeouts vs. Oklahoma State on June 2.
