WHAT HAPPENED: The Gators fell 5-2 in game one of a three-game series against in-state rival Miami Friday night at McKethan Stadium.
 
After a scoreless first inning, Miami took an early lead in the second with a two-run home run by Alejandro Toral, his fifth in as many games. The Gators responded in the fourth with a RBI triple to right field by Kendrick Calilao, plating Brady McConnell for the first run of the night for Florida.
 
The sixth inning brought hope for the Gators. A double to left field by McConnell moved Austin Langworthy into scoring position. A batter later, a ground out to third base by Nelson Maldonado brought Langworthy in to tie the game 2-2.
 
Miami responded immediately in the seventh inning. The Hurricanes recorded another two-run home run and a RBI single to expand their lead and exit the evening at 5-2.
 
Florida starter Tyler Dyson went four-plus innings allowing two runs and six hits while striking out three.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Kendrick Calilao – Freshman first baseman Kendrick Calilao recorded his first-career RBI with a triple to right field during the fourth inning. Calilao's triple is the first this year for the Gators. The freshman is now batting .333 through six games.

FROM THE COACH: Head Coach Kevin O'Sullivan – A Marathon – "We are only six games in. I didn't see this coming, to be honest with you. I understand that everybody kind of goes through a tough stretch—but it's only six games. We talked about it yesterday; if this is a marathon--after just playing five games, it equates to a little over two miles. You have 24 left to go. I don't know why this pressing would start this early. It's the start of the season. We should be fine. We should be relaxed and go out there and play hard. I don't see why that would be so difficult at this point in the season."

STANDOUT STAT: 35 - Florida batters have struck out 35 times over the last three games—an unusually high number for the Gators. Over the first three games of the season, the Gators struck out only 21 times.
 
UP NEXT: Tommy Mace will take the mound for Florida Saturday afternoon for game two against the Hurricanes. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. The game will broadcast live on SEC Network+ and the Gator Sports Network.