Florida star Jac Caglianone did his part in helping the Gators avoid postseason elimination once again, ending Wednesday’s College World Series matchup against Kentucky with two hits and three runs in a dominant 15-4 win to keep their season alive.
Caglianone also broke a record in the process, with his second hit of the game coming in the sixth inning where he hit a 375-foot solo homer to become Florida’s career home runs leader. Posting his 75th career home run in just three seasons with the program.
After the game, the fan who caught Caglianone’s record-breaking ball found the two-way star from the stands. As the two partook in an exchange where Caglianone exchanged autographed, game-worn gloves and a picture for the ball in a wholesome moment that can be seen below.
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The trade seemed like a fair one as both parties got a piece of history out of the deal, with a particularly special moment coming for a baby who Caglianone held for a photo op following the exchange.
Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan made a change to the team’s batting order ahead of the win-or-go-home matchup against Kentucky. Moving up in the lineup as the team’s leadoff batter for the game, a strategy that worked in the Gators favor with Cags starting off he game with a double that’d start a seven-run first inning for Florida.
Caglianone was still walked twice and intentionally walked another time in Wednesday’s game, as pitchers continue to avoid the prolific hitter who’s recorded an NCAA record 31 intentional walks this season.
The Gators and Caglianone will look to continue staying alive in Omaha on Wednesday night, finishing off their double-header in a matchup against Texas A&M at 7:00 p.m.
Jac Caglianone sets Florida career home run record with 375-foot solo blast in CWS elimination game
Florida star slugger Jac Caglianone set the program’s new all-time home run mark with his 75th career long ball during a Men’s College World Series elimination game on Wednesday. And the Gators new home run king did it in front of the old record holder.
Previously, former Gator Matt LaPorta held the record of 74 career home runs for some time and he was on hand in Omaha as Caglianone blasted his record-setting bomb. And the home run was the cherry on top of Florida’s lead over Kentucky, pushing the Gators ahead 15-4 in the bottom of the 6th inning.
In what was already a strong day at the plate for Caglianone, he managed to make a bit of history with this 375-foot solo home run.
The home run also moves Caglianone into a tie for No. 8 on the NCAA career home run list. With a few more blasts in Omaha, he could climb a few more spots on that list before the season is out.
On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this report
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