Florida beats Florida State in top-10 showdown, handing FSU first loss of 2025

Florida ended its losing streak in the Florida State rivalry in a big way on Tuesday. No. 7 Florida went to Tallahassee and handed No. 5 FSU its first loss of the 2025 season, winning 7-2. The Noles took all 3 games in the rivalry series last year.

As the score indicates, Kevin O’Sullivan got strong performances from his pitchers.

Billy Barlow got the start and set the tone. He tossed 3 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits while striking out 2 over 40 pitches.

O’Sullivan first turned to Jackson Barberi in relief. He allowed FSU’s first run of the night, a solo home run in the bottom of the 5th inning. He finished with a line of 3 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB and 3K.

Luke McNeillie provided 2 scoreless set-up innings. He struck out 4, allowing just 1 hit and walking 1 batter over 33 pitches.

Alex Philpott came on in the 9th to seal the deal. He gave up a 1-out solo home run to Myles Bailey, making it a 7-2 game, but recovered and retired the next 2 batters to end the ballgame.

The Gators had a busy night at the plate. Florida was 6-of-22 with runners on, and 5-of-14 with RISP. UF’s leadoff hitters went 5-of-9 over 9 innings. With runners on 3rd and less than 2 outs, the Gators were 2-of-5.

Colby Shelton led Florida offensively. His RBI single in the top of the 5th brought Justin Nadeau home. They crossed the plate again when Shelton hit a 2-run home run in the 7th to extend the lead.

BELTIN' SHELTON STRIKES#GoGators // ACCNX pic.twitter.com/RYsULrkcCg

— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) March 12, 2025

The Gators improve to 16-2, while FSU falls to 15-1. UF’s first SEC series is against defending national champion Tennessee in Knoxville. The Seminoles will play Boston College in ACC action.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.