TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – No. 18 Florida saw its seven-game Southeastern Conference series win streak come to an end Saturday, falling to Alabama 8-4 at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Crimson Tide leveled the series at one game apiece, setting the stage for a decisive Sunday matchup.
The Gators (19-5, 3-2 SEC) traded early leads with Alabama (17-7, 2-3 SEC) before the Crimson Tide pulled ahead, capitalizing on a strong performance at the plate and solid pitching from starter Zane Adams. Florida will appear to avoid the series loss and remain above .500 in conference play when the teams meet again Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Florida starting pitcher Aidan King, who entered the day with a remarkable 0.00 ERA, saw his streak of 23 2/3 scoreless innings end in the first inning. Alabama took a 1-0 lead after Justin Lebron walked, advanced to third on a single by Brady Neal, and scored on an RBI bunt by Jason Torres.
The Gators quickly responded in the top of the second, as Karson Bowen launched a solo home run over the left-field wall, tying the game at 1-1. It marked Bowen’s second home run of the season. King then settled in, striking out the side in the bottom of the second to maintain the momentum.
Florida took its first lead of the weekend in the third inning. Cade Kurland singled to right-center, followed by a walk to Kyle Jones. Blake Cyr then singled to right, plating Kurland and giving the Gators a 2-1 advantage.
Alabama answered immediately in the bottom of the third. Brennan Holt scored on a single by Neal, and Bryce Fowler came home on Torres’ second RBI bunt of the game, regaining the lead for the Crimson Tide at 3-2.
After stranding a two-out single from Ethan Surowiec in the fourth, Alabama extended its lead to 4-2 in the fifth on an RBI single to right by Neal.
The Gators threatened in the sixth, with Kolt Myers doubling to center field, but were unable to capitalize, leaving him stranded in scoring position. Alabama then added to its lead in the seventh, with a two-run home run to left by Lebron, pushing the score to 6-2. Right-hander Billy Barlow entered the game with two outs and managed to strand a pair of runners.
Alabama tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning. Holt drove in a run with an RBI double down the right-field line, and Neal added a run-scoring groundout, extending the lead to 8-2.
Florida attempted a late rally in the ninth. Kyle Jones drove in Ethan Surowiec with a sacrifice fly, and Blake Cyr followed with an RBI double to left, cutting the deficit to 8-4. However, the comeback fell short as the game ended with two runners on base.
Zane Adams earned the win for Alabama, improving to 4-1 on the season. The junior southpaw pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. King took the loss, falling to 3-2. The sophomore allowed four earned runs on three hits and four walks in five innings, while striking out four batters.
Cyr and Surowiec each recorded multi-hit games for Florida, with Cyr driving in a team-high two runs. According to team statistics, the Gators are now 17-6 in their last 23 SEC games dating back to last season.
King’s ERA Streak Ends
Aidan King’s impressive start to the season, which saw him become the only remaining qualified NCAA Division I pitcher with a 0.00 ERA, came to an end Saturday. He had maintained the scoreless streak across six starts and 23 2/3 innings before surrendering a run in the first inning against Alabama. Over his last 11 starts dating back to 2025, King is 7-3 with a 0.94 ERA and a 59-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 67.0 innings pitched.
Gators Look to Salvage Series Finale
Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan noted King’s uncharacteristic struggles with command. “He didn’t have his usual command. I think he started the season with 23 1/3 (unearned runs). Uncharacteristically, he walked four over five, and all four of them scored. It was just one of those days that he doesn’t have very often, but today was one of those days, unfortunately.” O’Sullivan also expressed optimism about Cade Kurland’s return to the lineup, stating, “It’s been a while since we’ve had him back in the lineup. It’s good to see him back. And obviously, he’s not going to stay in the eight-hole very long. We’re just trying to get him comfortable and he’ll be back at the top of the order, middle of the order, whenever he’s ready to get moved up.”
The series finale is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The Gators will demand a strong performance to avoid their first SEC series loss since April 4-6, 2025, against No. 23 Vanderbilt.
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