Florida Downs Mercer 9-3 in Fall Exhibition
The exhibition game ended early due to inclement weather with one out in the top of the 12th inning.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball
Florida baseball defeated Mercer 9-3 in fall exhibition play at Condron Family Ballpark on Sunday afternoon. Inclement weather ended the 11.1-inning matchup before the scheduled 12 innings were completed, improving Florida to 4-0 this fall.
Why it matters
The result gives Florida a 4-0 start to its fall exhibition schedule while providing early looks at its pitching depth and power hitting. For Gainesville baseball fans, the game offers a preview of the program's roster ahead of the spring season.
The box score shows Florida pitchers struck out 15 batters across 11.1 innings while allowing three runs on four hits and five walks. Florida's offense recorded eight hits and four walks, with Caden McDonald and Brady Harris hitting a three-run and two-run home run, respectively. Exhibition results do not count toward official season records.
The players
Florida Gators baseball
The University of Florida's baseball program, which competes in the Southeastern Conference and plays home games at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville.
Mercer Bears baseball
The baseball program of Mercer University, a Division I team based in Macon, Georgia, that competes in the Southern Conference.
The details
Seven Florida pitchers recorded scoreless outings, with Schuyler Sandford, Jackson Barberi and Trey Morris each throwing two shutout, no-hit innings. The game was scheduled for 12 innings but was halted by weather with one out in the top of the 12th.
Timeline
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026: Florida defeats Mercer 9-3 at Condron Family Ballpark.
Sunday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m.: Florida faces Air Force in its final fall exhibition game.
Next week: Florida wraps up fall ball.
Season Trajectory
Mercer finished the 2025 season with 44 wins and an RPI of 28 but was left out of the NCAA Tournament at-large bid selection. This exhibition result comes as both programs begin their preparations for the upcoming season.
Florida's 15-strikeout performance and seven scoreless pitching outings offer an early indication of pitching depth heading into the spring. Fans tracking the roster can use the box score to evaluate which players stood out in the exhibition win.
The takeaway
Strong pitching depth and two home runs gave Florida a dominant exhibition performance, even with the game cut short by weather. Readers following the program can watch the final fall game against Air Force for further roster clarity.
What happens next
Florida closes its fall schedule against Air Force on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Baseball section for Gainesville fans following the Gators this fall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gator Country.
