Florida advances in SEC tournament with 5-4 win over Alabama

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — Danny Reyes doubled home a run with two outs in the eighth inning to lift defending Southeastern Conference tournament champion Florida to a 5-4 victory over Alabama on Thursday in an elimination game.

The Gators (45-12) will play another elimination game Friday against the Mississippi State-LSU loser. Florida bounced back less than 12 hours after losing a 14-inning, 5-hour game to LSU.

Alabama (32-26) tied the game with two outs in the seventh on an RBI single by pinch-hitter Connor Short, who played for Hoover High School. The Tide left the bases loaded.

Closer Shaun Anderson struck out two in a perfect ninth to preserve the win. Brady Singer pitched six innings for the Gators in his first start.

Florida's Mike Rivera had three hits and Jonathan India drove in two runs.

Alabama assistant coach Andy Phillips was ejected in the seventh for arguing a strike call.

Associated Press