The Alabama (16-4, 0-2) bats were on fire in the second of three games in Gainesville, but ultimately weren't enough in an 8-7 defeat Saturday to the No. 5 Florida Gators.

Despite a much improved day at the plate for Alabama, the Gators (18-3, 2-0) showed why they are one of the best teams in the conference, nonetheless all of college baseball.

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Ben Hess got the start for Alabama, turning in 6.1 innings and striking out eight batters in the progress. However, the Florida offense traded shots with the red hot Alabama offense, driving in six earned runs off the Tide starter.

Florida's offense was hitting for power off Hess, with five of eight hits going for extra bases. Three Gators' home runs off Hess contributed to five of the six runs.

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Alabama showed its ability to compete with one of the premiere baseball programs for two days in a row, losing by a small margin of four runs. Drew Williamson and Colby Shelton continued their hot streak at the plate for Alabama.

Williamson drove in a season-high five RBIs, highlighted by a three-run home run in the first inning to give the Tide an early lead.

Shelton continued his groundbreaking freshman season, hitting his No. 11 home run of the young season. His solo home run gave Alabama a 7-6 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Trailing one run heading in to the bottom of the ninth, Colby Halter evened things up for the Gators with a leadoff solo home run. The next three runners for Florida reached base, capped off by a walk off single by Josh Rivera.

The next game for Alabama will be against the UAB Blazers at Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Tuesday, March 21.

Alabama Baseball 2023 Roster

Take a look at the Alabama baseball roster for the 2023 season.

 

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