AM850.com

The University of Florida baseball team ran its record to 29-18 on the year as it holds on to defeat Bethune Cookman 11-10 Wednesday night at McKethan Stadium.

Florida led 11-5 going into the ninth inning but had to hold on as the Wildcats rallied for five runs in the ninth inning. Kyle Mullaney (1-4) got the win on the mound after throwing five innings and giving up no runs.

The Gators now must go on the road to face a resurgent Alabama team that is 12-12 in SEC play and tied for second in the SEC West. The Tide hits .307 on the year and are led by freshman Josh Rutledge who is hitting .389 with 12 stolen bases.

There is some pop in the lineup too although it is a lineup that also strikes out a lot. Brandon May (.361) has struck out 49 times; Alex Avila (.328, 12 homers) has struck out 48 times; and Kent Matthes (.310, 9 homers) has fanned 43 times.

On the mound, Alabama has been shaky at times but their pitching has been better of late. Austin Hyatt (4.84 ERA, 3-3) and Miers Quigley (4.96, 4-4) are two arms the Gators should see this weekend.

Florida is 13-11 in SEC play and only one more SEC weekend remains; the Gators will finish at home against Vanderbilt.