CLEMSON — Jac Caglianone hit a three-run home run in a seven-run fifth inning for Florida, as the Gators rallied from three runs down to beat No. 6 national seed Clemson, 10-7, Saturday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson.

The win gives Florida a 1-0 lead in the best of three Clemson Super Regional and moves them within one win of advancing to Omaha, Neb., for the College World Series.

Caglianone finished the afternoon 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while the Gators also got solo home runs from Tyler Shelnut and Luke Heyman, the latter coming in the top of the ninth inning to seal the win.

Brandon Neely came on in the bottom of the sixth to shut the door on a Clemson rally.

Neely pitched 4.0 innings, giving up no runs and just one hit. Fisher Jameson, who gave up three runs on four hits, earned the win to improve to 5-0.

Things looked good for Clemson early on. The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Alden Mathes scored on a wild pitch and Jack Crighton drew a bases loaded walk with two outs.

They extended their lead to 3-0 in the second inning after Jarren Purify tripled to right field and later scored on another wild pitch thrown by Florida starter Liam Peterson. After the wild pitch, Peterson’s day ended after just one inning.

After the Gators scored their first run in the top of third, Jimmy Obertop homered down the left field line to lead off the Clemson third for a 4-1 lead.

Florida (33-28) got a solo home run from Tyler Shelnut in the fourth inning and then added seven runs in the fifth inning, aided by two Clemson mistakes and a three-run homer from Caglianone to left field. When the inning ended, the Gators had a 9-4 lead.

Clemson (44-15) got one run back when Tristan Bissetta hit a solo home run to right field in the bottom of the fifth inning and then added two more in the sixth inning to trim the deficit to 9-7.

Jacob McGovern cooled the Florida bats down. He allowed one run on three hits in four innings of work to keep the Tigers in the game. Smith suffered the loss.

UP NEXT

Clemson and Florida will play Game 2 of the Super Regional on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!