Florida’s offense was filled with pop-ups early Thursday. Starting pitcher Jack Leftwich was giving up hits. Second baseman Blake Reese missed a ground ball hit right at him. Late in the game, the bullpen couldn’t throw strikes.
No problem.
The No. 1 Gators shook off a slow start and a shaky finish to beat No. 9 Texas Tech 9-6 at the College World Series. The Red Raiders (45-20) were eliminated while the Gators (49-20) will play Friday at 8 p.m. against Arkansas. If the Gators win, they’d play Arkansas (46-19) again Saturday.
For the third time, Leftwich, a freshman, pitched well in an elimination game.