April 9, 2024 - Gators outlast Bulls, win series 2 to 1
4/9/2024by Skip Remington
Peter Lucas named MVP for Gators
Peter Lucas named MVP for Gators

Gainesville Gators vs. Fort Worth Bulls: A Series to Remember

 

Game 1: Gators' Stunning Comeback (Gators win 6-5)

 

Sunday, April 7, 2024

FORT WORTH — The Gainesville Gators staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Fort Worth Bulls 6-5 in the first game of their series at Fort Worth Stadium.

 

The game began with Fort Worth's pitcher, Gomez Lameira, striking out the side in the top of the first, setting a daunting tone for Gainesville. The Bulls capitalized early, with Lameira's pitching prowess backed by a five-run second inning. Octavio Valencia's RBI double and Paul Moody's two-run single were key highlights as the Bulls took a commanding 5-1 lead.

 

Gainesville's Stanley Hoover struggled early, giving up five runs on seven hits in five innings. However, he managed to hold the Bulls scoreless after the second inning, allowing the Gators a chance to claw back.

 

The turning point came in the top of the seventh. Down 5-2, Howard Holley stepped up and launched a three-run homer to center field, tying the game at 5-5. "I was just looking for a good pitch to hit," Holley said. "Thankfully, I got one and made it count."

 

Shane Lowery's RBI single later in the inning put Gainesville ahead for the first time. Tony Garcim closed out the ninth with a strikeout of Octavio Valencia, securing the win.

 

Key Performers:

  • Gainesville Gators: Howard Holley (2-5, HR, 3 RBI), Jay Kemp (2-5, 2 R), Jon Metcalf (HR, 2 R).
  • Fort Worth Bulls: Paul Moody (2-5, 2 RBI), Leroy Ramey (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI).

Pitching Stats:

  • Gainesville Gators: Tony Garcim (2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 SO), Jose Serrano (3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 SO).
  • Fort Worth Bulls: Gomez Lameira (7 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 SO), Pete Ladesma (2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 SO).

Defensive Plays:

  • Gainesville: Randy Clark with seven putouts, Augusto Gomez with three assists.
  • Fort Worth: Robert Bartlett with five assists, Bill Scruby with three putouts.

Game 2: Bulls' Walk-Off Glory (Bulls win 5-1)

 

Monday, April 8, 2024

FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Bulls bounced back dramatically in Game 2, securing a 5-1 victory over the Gainesville Gators, highlighted by a walk-off grand slam by Chris Lane.

 

Gainesville struck first with Jay Kemp’s solo home run in the first inning. However, Fort Worth tied it up in the second when Bob Rosson doubled and scored on Robert Bartlett’s single.

 

Pitching dominated through the middle innings, with Gainesville's Mark Francis and Fort Worth's Curt Horsford matching each other. "It was a grind," said Horsford, who pitched six innings, allowing only one run. "I had to stay focused and trust my defense."

 

The game remained tied at 1-1 until the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Lane came to the plate. "I just wanted to get a hit to bring in the winning run," Lane said. Instead, he launched a towering grand slam to center field, sending the Fort Worth fans into a frenzy.

 

Key Performers:

  • Fort Worth Bulls: Chris Lane (1-4, HR, 4 RBI), Bob Rosson (3-4, 2B, R).
  • Gainesville Gators: Jay Kemp (3-4, HR), Colton Ornelas (3-4).

Pitching Stats:

  • Fort Worth Bulls: Curt Horsford (6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 SO), Leo Arteaga (3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 SO).
  • Gainesville Gators: Mark Francis (6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 SO), Tito Lariano (2.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 SO).

Defensive Plays:

  • Fort Worth: Curt Horsford with one putout and three assists, Robert Bartlett with four assists.
  • Gainesville: Jay Kemp with four assists, Colton Ornelas with five putouts.

 

Game 3: Gators' Offensive Explosion (Gators win 10-4)

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

FORT WORTH — The Gainesville Gators showcased their offensive firepower in a 10-4 rout of the Fort Worth Bulls, securing the series win.

 

The Gators wasted no time, scoring two runs in the first inning, capitalizing on an error by Fort Worth's Paul Moody. Gainesville kept the pressure on, adding a run in the second and three more in the third. Howard Holley's double and Randy Clark’s RBI single were crucial hits as Gainesville built a 6-0 lead.

 

Francisco Marino pitched five solid innings for Gainesville, allowing four runs on seven hits. "I knew I had to keep us in the game with a big lead like that," Marino said. "The guys gave me a cushion, and I just tried to make my pitches."

 

Fort Worth fought back with solo homers from Robert Bartlett, Bill Scruby, and Carl Phelps, but Gainesville’s bullpen held firm. Chad Rothman and Shane McAughey combined for four scoreless innings to close it out.

 

Key Performers:

  • Gainesville Gators: Peter Lucas (3-5, 2 RBI), Howard Holley (2-4, 2B, RBI), Chris MacAldonich (3-5, 2 RBI).
  • Fort Worth Bulls: Paul Moody (4-5), Carl Phelps (2-4, HR, RBI).

Pitching Stats:

  • Gainesville Gators: Francisco Marino (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 SO), Chad Rothman (2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 SO).
  • Fort Worth Bulls: Rob MacGregor (4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 SO), Robert Knight (3 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 SO).

Defensive Plays:

  • Gainesville: Octavio Moran with seven putouts, Augusto Gomez with five assists.
  • Fort Worth: Paul Moody with four putouts, Robert Bartlett with five assists.

 

Series MVP: Peter Lucas

Peter Lucas was instrumental throughout the series, consistently getting on base and driving in key runs. His clutch hitting and solid defensive play at second base made him an invaluable asset to the Gators.

This series between the Gainesville Gators and Fort Worth Bulls was a showcase of dramatic comebacks, powerful hitting, and clutch performances, providing fans with thrilling baseball action and unforgettable moments.

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