North Florida used a seven-run first inning and a 16-hit offensive outburst to hand Florida a 15-8 setback on Tuesday night at McKethan Stadium. After the Gators closed to within 10-8 in the sixth on a two-run homer by senior Austin Pride, the Ospreys plated five unearned runs with two down in the seventh to seal the victory. Senior Andrew Stilley threw two innings to collect the victory, while classmate Renzo Sheppard struck out a career-high eight batters over four hitless innings to register his first career save.

The Ospreys sent 11 batters to the plate and jumped out to a 7-0 lead with five hits and three walks in the first stanza. Freshman T.J. Thompson drew a leadoff walk, sophomore Brian Wilson singled to right field and freshman Mycal Jones punched a base-hit to fill the sacks against freshman Clint Franklin (0-2).

   The Ospreys out-hit UF, 16-11, as six different players chipped in with two hits apiece. Barnes (3-for-4) and Pride (3-for-5, three RBI) paced the Gators. North Florida also turned a season-high five double plays. The Orange and Blue travels to Baton Rouge this weekend for a critical series against LSU (28-21-1/11-12-1 SEC). Florida is currently in sixth place in the race for the SEC Tournament and the Tigers occupy seventh. The opener from Alex Box Stadium will be at 8 p.m. and televised on Cox Sports.