Gators beat top ranked Noles at baseball grounds

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida beat top ranked Florida State 4-1 at the baseball grounds Tuesday night but the big story was the benches clearing brawl in the eighth inning.

FSU's leftfielder D.J. Stewart hit a slow roller up the first base line with two outs in the top of the eighth, and when Florida pitcher Danny Young fielded the ball in the base line, Stewart ran over Young. Florida first baseman Zach Powers took exception to Stewart's actions and confronted him behind the bag. Stewart then shoved Powers in the chest with both hands and the scrum was on.

Both teams were separated quickly and Stewart and Powers were both ejected. The biggest worry for Seminole fans was pitcher Jameis Winston wading into the fray.

The Gators (16-9) took a 1-0 lead in the first and never trailed in beating the Seminoles (19-5) for the second time in the last seven days.

The two teams will meet in Tallahassee on April 8.