Tucker becomes Florida’s all-time hits leader

By Adam Silverstein
May 17, 2012

With a two-run homer in the top of the second inning on Thursday, Florida Gators senior right fielder Preston Tucker became the team’s all-time hits leader, passing outfielder Mark Ellis (1996-99) and his 13-year-old record.

He finished the game 3/4 with two RBIs and a run and now stands at 322 hits, three more than Ellis (319) had in his four years with the Gators.

No. 3 Florida (39-15, 17-11 SEC) went ahead of the Auburn Tigers (29-25, 12-16 SEC) early and kept the pressure on throughout the contest, leaving with a 6-0 victory in the first of a three-game series that will end the 2012 regular season for both teams.

Junior right-handed pitcher Hudson Randall (7-1) was extremely efficient in his outing, giving up just three hits and one walk while striking out three in nine innings for a complete game shutout. He faced just 30 batters on the evening.

Tucker had some help from his teammates as the Gators’ offense saw a bit of a resurgence after struggling in recent contests. Florida registered 10 hits over the nine innings with juniors shorstop Nolan Fontana (3/4, 3 R, SB, BB) and catcher Mike Zunino (2/4, RBI) also being productive in the one- and three-hole, respectively.

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