Caglianone hits two home runs, drives in five to lead Florida past UConn 8-2

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jac Caglianone hit two home runs, driving in five runs, and Florida defeated UConn 8-2 on Sunday in an elimination game at the Gainesville Regional.

The Gators (46-15) advance to the championship round against Texas Tech and will have to beat the Red Raiders twice to reach the super regionals. No. 3-seed Texas Tech defeated top-seeded Florida 5-4 on Saturday.

Caglianone's three-run home run in the fourth inning gave the Gators a 5-1 lead. Starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep continued to dominate the Huskies and left with a 6-1 lead through seven innings. Caglianone added a two-run home run in the eighth.

Waldrep (8-3) allowed one run on five hits with 12 strikeouts. Nick Ficarrotta came on in the eighth and allowed one run in two innings. He struck out five.

Tyler Shelnut went 2-for-3 and scored twice for the Gators. Wyatt Langford went 0-for-3 but was credited with two RBIs, on a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly.

Ben Huber went 3-for-4 for Connecticut (44-17-1).