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The University of Florida baseball team used outstanding pitching and a grand slam home run from freshman Austin Maddox to defeat Northern Illinois 8-0 Wednesday night at McKethan Stadium.

Gator starter Anthony DeSclafani who was bombed in his last start, was very impressive in this one, allowing only one hit and no runs as he pitched into the sixth inning. Relievers Steven Rodriguez, Michael Heller and Justin Poovey combined to allow only one more hit the rest of the way.

Meanwhile the Gators had 11 hits in the game, including the Maddox homer, his fourth of the year. Maddox was 4 for 5 on the night and Josh Adams and Matt den Dekker contributed two hits apiece to the Gator attack.

Florida (9-2) will host Charleston Southern in a three game series starting on Friday.

Meanwhile the Gator softball team had its games with Georgia rained out and will now open SEC play against Ole Miss on Saturday and Sunday.