Wednesday, May 25, 2011
HOOVER, Ala. — Brian Johnson's seventh-inning grand slam propelled Florida to a 7-5 comeback victory over Mississippi State in the opening round of the SEC baseball tournament on Wednesday.
A solo homer and a two-run triple by Nick Vickerson helped the Bulldogs build a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the seventh.
Florida (42-15) then loaded the bases on a hit batter, a walk and a single before Johnson's homer.
"I was hoping it wasn't foul," UF coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. "I knew the wind was blowing strong, and once the ball stayed in the air, I knew it had a chance."
Florida will play Alabama, which beat Arkansas 7-4, at 5:30 p.m. today (Sun Sports).
Auburn's trees: Harvey Updyke Jr., accused of poisoning the trees at Auburn's Toomer's Corner, pleaded not guilty for reasons of mental disease or defect, said his attorney. Glennon Threatt Jr. said the preliminary hearing was waived because Updyke, 62, had a procedure on his back and wouldn't be able to travel. Threatt says prosecutors filed a motion for a mental evaluation and gag order.
Miami too far: Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, who had announced he was transferring to Miami, said he never enrolled because he wants to be closer to home. Forcier, who played high school ball in San Diego, is looking at Auburn, Southern Cal, San Diego State, Montana, Kansas State and the University of San Diego.
Coach ousted from casino: West Virginia offensive coordinator and head-coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen was escorted out of a Cross Lanes casino at 3 a.m. last week after becoming uncooperative with management, according to multiple media reports. Athletic director Oliver Luck acknowledged "inappropriate behavior" but did not say whether Holgorsen would be disciplined. No charges have been filed.
NCAA rejects USC appeal: The NCAA shot down Southern California's bid to reduce some of the penalties imposed last year on its football program, including a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 30 scholarships over three years, according to the Associated Press and ESPN.com. A school spokesman confirmed that the school received a response but NCAA rules prevent him from commenting on the decision until it is released today.
Women's Tennis: USF senior Irene Rehberger advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championships for the second straight season with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Alabama's Mary Anne Macfarlane in Stanford, Calif.