Sunday, December 22, 2024
Sports

UF's Caglianone ties D-I record with another HR

Jac Caglianone can’t stop hitting home runs for the Florida baseball team.

The junior was at it again Friday night, slugging a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning against Vanderbilt. It was his ninth straight game with a home run, matching former Nevada slugger Tyler Bosetti (2021) for the longest streak in Division I history.

The preseason first-team All-American can break the record when the Gators wrap up their series against the No. 13 Commodores on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.

“It’s something we’ve never seen before, honestly,” Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “And we’ve had some really good hitters over the last 16 or 17 years.”

Caglianone had 33 home runs last season and already has 23 in 2024. Friday’s shot to right field off Vandy starter Carter Holton traveled 401 feet and had an exit velocity of 109 mph, the Gators said.

It was the lefty-hitting Caglianone’s 16th long ball of the season against a left-hander, twice as many as any other hitter in Division I. Six of the nine homers during the streak have come against southpaws.

The first baseman/pitcher, ranked as ESPN’s No. 5 MLB draft prospect, also extended his career-long hit streak to 17 games and is now batting .403 on the year.

Despite the efforts, though, Florida (19-19) dropped its second straight with a 5-2 loss to Vandy (29-10).

“I think that’s one of the most disappointing things as well,” Sullivan continued. “Jac’s having an incredible year and we’re just, like I said, we don’t have enough guys behind him. We’re not playing good, sound, fundamental baseball. It’s been frustrating that we’re letting the season he’s put together kind of slip away from us.”

Information from ESPN Stats & Information was used in this report.

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