GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — Florida scored six unanswered runs in the eighth and ninth innings Friday to defeat Kentucky 7-6 at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium.

The Wildcats built a 6-1 lead through seven innings. Luke Lawrence drove in three runs, including a two-run double in the third. Kentucky pitchers Ben Cleaver (four innings, one earned run, three strikeouts) and Jack Sams (three scoreless innings, four strikeouts) limited Florida’s offense early.

Cade Kurland homered for Florida in the third. The Gators trailed 6-1 entering the eighth before rallying. Brendan Lawson doubled for two RBIs, and a throwing error brought home two more runs. Lawson scored on a wild pitch to tie the game.

In the ninth, a walk, single and an infield hit by K. Jones scored the winning run. Florida starter Aidan King worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and five earned runs while striking out six.

The Gators improved to 33-17 overall and 15-11 in Southeastern Conference play. Kentucky dropped to 29-17 and 12-14. The teams meet again Saturday.