Gators Fight Back for First SEC Win After Heartbreaking Doubleheader

OXFORD, Miss. — The Florida Gators broke their seven-game losing streak in Southeastern Conference play, securing their first win of the year in a thrilling doubleheader against Ole Miss on March 28, 2025.

After entering the matchup with an 0-7 SEC record for the first time in school history, the Gators (19-11, 1-8 SEC) faced the No. 15 Rebels (21-6, 6-3 SEC) in Oxford, where they dropped the first game 10-9 before rebounding to win the second game 11-8.

In game one, Florida blew a four-run lead in the final two innings, a heartbreaking blow that left the team reeling. Pitcher Liam Peterson started the game, allowing five earned runs over 4 1/3 innings while striking out six. Ole Miss took advantage, leading the game with significant contributions from senior Mitchell Sanford, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and three runs scored.

Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan replaced Peterson with Jake Clemente, who held the Rebels to just two runs over 3 2/3 innings. However, Florida’s lead evaporated when the Rebels managed to load the bases before scoring the winning runs with a two-run double and a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning.

Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Gators. Luke Heyman led the offense in game one with a 3-for-5 performance, including a 415-foot home run and two RBIs. Freshman Brendan Lawson added a grand slam that temporarily put Florida ahead.

The Gators rallied in game two behind a strong ninth inning. Alex Philpott made his first start of the season for Florida, pitching four innings and allowing four earned runs. Freshman McCall Biemiller and Carson Montsdeoca stepped in but struggled against the Ole Miss lineup.

Florida’s offense ignited in the second game, starting with Heyman’s two-run homer. The Gators regained the lead in the sixth inning after a costly error by Ole Miss that allowed Ty Evans to advance home, followed by an RBI single from Hayden Yost.

Heyman’s performance was especially notable, as he finished the game with three homers, six RBIs, and five runs scored through both contests. His standout performance exemplified the Gators’ resilience as they rallied to score five runs in the ninth inning of the second game, sealing their first SEC victory.

“I think we really showed what we’re capable of in the second game,” said O’Sullivan. “The way we fought back to take the lead was impressive.”

The Gators are scheduled to host the North Florida Ospreys in a midweek matchup on Tuesday at Condron Ballpark, with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Gators previously edged the Ospreys 7-6 earlier this season, and look to build on their recent success.