Colleges

Gators nip Hurricanes

By wire services
Published February 21, 2005

GAINESVILLE - Brian Leclerc had three hits and Matt LaPorta homered, and Florida built an early 10-run lead before holding on to defeat Miami 14-11 on Sunday, giving the Gators two wins in the three-game weekend baseball series.

LaPorta, Adam Davis, Justin Tordi and Bryson Barber each drove in two runs for the Gators. Florida starter Tommy Boss got the win, despite allowing seven runs and nine hits in five innings. Miami rallied with five runs in the fifth - capped by Jon Jay's two-run double that drew the Hurricanes within 12-7. The Hurricanes added three in the sixth.

USF 2, E. MICHIGAN 0: Chase Lirette and Daniel Thomas allowed just seven hits and combined to strike out 10 and walk two for the host Bulls. Brian Baisley provided the offense with an eighth-inning double that scored Jeremy Bellotti and Bryan Hierlmeier.

FSU 10, ST. JOE'S 7: Host Florida State competed a sweep of the series. Junior Barret Browning picked up the win and Danny Wardell and Gibbs Chapman each recorded three RBIs.

FSU: Junior linebacker A.J. Nicholson, 21, was arrested Saturday in Tallahassee and charged with driving under the influence after a two-car accident. Nicholson's blood-alcohol level was tested twice and was .102 and .105, above the 0.08 percent at which Florida considers drivers to be impaired, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. Nicholson was taken to jail at 5 a.m. and left shortly after noon on a pretrial release. In accordance with athletic department policy, Nicholson will undergo substance-abuse counseling.

COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The Florida men shot 4-over 292 to tie UCLA for fourth after the opening round in Ponte Vedra. Junior Matt Every led the Gators with 1-under 71 to tie for sixth, one shot off the lead. South Carolina led after 2-under 286; Florida State was 17th (34 over).

USF WILSON INVITATIONAL: South Florida rebounded from a 6-4 loss to Stanford, beating Florida A&M 17-1 in five innings. Christie Chapman scored three runs and Krista Holle drove in five, each tying USF records.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS: The host Florida men finished second with 801.5 points and the women third with 659. The Auburn men (829.5) claimed their ninth consecutive conference team title; the Auburn women won their third straight (816). Florida junior Ryan Lochte set his third American record of the meet, winning the 200-yard backstroke in 1:38.29. It also was an NCAA, SEC and pool record.

NSISC MEET: Chelsea Hastings helped the Tampa women to second place at the New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference Championship in Cleveland, Miss., setting two NSISC and UT school records. Hastings won the 100 back (57.28) and 200 back (2:02.41). Truman State took the title.

[Last modified February 21, 2005, 01:33:09]