Jacksonville Capitalizes on Errant Florida Pitching, Dolphins Down Gators 4-3

Florida's inconsistent season continues with a midweek loss to in-state rival Jacksonville.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:36am

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The No. 21 Florida Gators suffered a 4-3 loss to the Jacksonville Dolphins on Tuesday night, with the Dolphins capitalizing on six hit-by-pitches by the Gators' pitching staff to secure the victory. The game was tied at 3-3 in the eighth inning when a passed ball allowed the winning run to score for Jacksonville.

Why it matters

Florida has struggled with consistency this season, alternating between sweeps and being swept in their first three conference series. This loss to an in-state rival continues that trend and raises further questions about the Gators' ability to put together a complete, winning performance on a regular basis.

The details

Florida jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first four innings, including a two-run third inning and a solo home run by catcher Cole Stanford. However, Jacksonville chipped away at the deficit, scoring one run in the sixth and then tying the game at 3-3 in the eighth on a two-RBI single. A passed ball then allowed the winning run to score for the Dolphins.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Florida scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning.
  • Cole Stanford hit a solo home run for Florida in the fourth inning.
  • Jacksonville scored one run in the sixth inning to make it 3-1.
  • Jacksonville scored three runs in the eighth inning to take a 4-3 lead, which held as the final score.

The players

Brendan Lawson

The Florida Gators' shortstop who plated the team's first run with a lineout in the third inning.

Ethan Surowiec

The Florida Gators' first baseman who hit an RBI groundout in the third inning to make it 2-0.

Cole Stanford

The Florida Gators' catcher who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to extend the team's lead to 3-0.

Sammy Mummau

The Jacksonville Dolphins' shortstop who hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to cut Florida's lead to 3-1.

Roger Vergara

The Jacksonville Dolphins' second baseman who hit a two-RBI single in the eighth inning to tie the game at 3-3.

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What they’re saying

“Florida will be kicking itself over the sloppy performance on the mound. The team will look to regroup before hosting Ole Miss in a three-game series starting on Thursday.”

— Thomas Goldkamp, Author

What’s next

Florida will host Ole Miss in a three-game series starting on Thursday, April 4, 2026, as they look to rebound from this midweek loss.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the inconsistency that has plagued the Florida Gators baseball team so far this season, as they continue to alternate between impressive sweeps and disappointing defeats. The team will need to find a way to string together more complete, winning performances if they hope to contend in the SEC.