GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 18 Alabama (39-14, 15-13 SEC) drops the first game of its three-game series against No. 23 Florida (36-18, 14-14 SEC) 7-6 on Thursday night after the Gators came back from a five-run deficit.
Alabama came out of the gates swinging for the fences with Richie Bonomolo Jr, the Crimson Tide’s center fielder, going yard for the outfielders’ eighth time this season, this time being a two-run home run over left field to make it 2-0 going into the bottom half of the first inning.
In the top of the third inning, the Tide extended their lead when Justin LeBron, Alabama’s star shortstop, hit his 18th home run of the season, which ties him for 14th place among Division 1 home-run leaders. This two-run homer increased their advantage to 4-0. Before the inning concluded, Alabama’s third baseman, Jason Torres, singled to left field, driving home Bonomolo Jr. and giving the Tide a five-run lead as they headed into the bottom of the third inning…