Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Florida
Gators Defeat Wildcats, 12-3
2/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 29, 2004
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Northwestern and the University of Florida played the second game of a three-game series Sunday afternoon, with Florida winning 12-3. The Wildcats managed one run in the first four innings, compared to Florida's four, as sophomore Dan Brauer took the loss. NU falls to 2-5-1 while Florida improved to 10-3.
The Gators opened the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first, plating both runs on a sacrifice fly. With runners on second and third, clean-up hitter C.J. Smith hit a towering sacrifice fly to right centerfield. Center fielder Doug Beatty and right fielder Jason Krynski each went for the ball, colliding in the process. Krynski made the catch, but both players fell to the ground allowing the runner on second to score.
NU loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the second, but a 3-2 strikeout ended the rally without scoring a run. In the inning, freshman catcher Geoff Dietz recorded his first collegiate hit.
The Gators extended their lead to 3-0 in the second inning, as a two-out RBI double scored a runner from second base.
Northwestern scored a run of its own in the top of the fourth, as Dan Pohlman led off the inning with a triple to deep left center field. Designated hitter Anthony Wycklendt drove in his seventh RBI of the year with a groundout to second base.
Florida answered with an unearned run in the bottom half of the fourth inning, making the score 4-1 in favor of the Gators. Gator lead off hitter Jeff Corsaletti reached on a fielding error and quickly stole second and third base. The run crossed the plate on a sacrifice bunt.
Northwestern wouldn't go away, scoring its second run of the game in the top of the fifth inning. Dietz opened the inning with a walk and moved to third on Caleb Fields' double down the left field line. Pinch runner Matt Brimmer crossed the plate on Doug Beatty's ground out to second base. It was Beatty's third RBI of the season.
For every Wildcat run, Florida had an answer.
In the bottom of the fifth, three hits plated two Gator runs, giving them a 6-2 lead.
Freshman George Kontos made his official collegiate debut, relieving Brauer with one out in the top of the fifth. Kontos induced a fly ball and Pohlman, who moved to catcher after starting in left field, threw out a Florida base stealer. Kontos pitched in an exhibition game vs. British Columbia earlier this season.
The Wildcats scored one run in the top of the sixth, making the score 6-3, to stay within striking distance. Pohlman laced a double down the left field line, moving to third on a Brauer groundout to second. He crossed the plate on Josh Lieberman's slow roller to the shortstop.
Just like every other time, Florida answered the Wildcats run with some of their own. This time, however, Florida put the game away, plating five runs on just two hits. With two runs already in, freshman Andrew Smith relieved Kontos with one out and runners on first and second. Smith got a ground ball to third from the only batter he faced, giving way to Chris Davidson. Davidson issued a four-pitch walk, loading the bases, and Brian Leclerc followed with a two-RBI single to center. A passed ball followed, giving Florida an 11-3 lead.
Florida added a single run in the bottom of the eighth as center fielder Gavin Dickey hit a pinch-hit solo home run to left field. Dickey is also a back-up quarterback on Florida's football team.
Junior Evan Blesoff pitched the eighth for NU.
The Gators and Wildcats wrap up the three-game series Monday, with a night game beginning at 6:30 p.m. (EST).
