CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — Ethan Surowiec launched a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to break open a tight game, lifting Florida to an 8-4 victory over Miami on Saturday evening at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park.

The Gators (11-1) clinched the weekend series after winning the opener Friday night. The Hurricanes fell to 10-2.

For eight innings, the game was a tense, one-run affair defined by early offense and dominant relief pitching. Miami struck first in the bottom of the opening inning against Florida starter Aidan King. After a fielding error and an infield single, right fielder Derek Williams connected for a three-run homer, his fifth of the season, to give the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead. Two of the runs were unearned.

Florida answered immediately and decisively in the top of the second against Miami ace Rob Evans. The Gators batted around, scoring five runs on five hits. Colby Shelton drove in the first run with a single, and Kyle Jones delivered the big blow with a two-run double to left-center. Jones later scored on a wild pitch, and another run came home on the same play, staking Florida to a 5-3 lead.

Miami chipped away in the fifth. Daniel Torres doubled, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Blake Cyr to cut the deficit to 5-4. That was the last run the Hurricanes would muster, as Florida’s bullpen took over.

The most important part of the game was the relief work of Florida’s Ricky Reeth. Entering with two on and no outs in the third inning, the right-hander silenced the Miami bats. He pitched four scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out five to earn the win. He was followed by Ernesto Lugo-Canchola and Joshua Whritenour, who combined for 2 2/3 perfect innings of relief with four strikeouts. Over the final six innings, four Florida relievers held Miami to just one hit.

Evans (0-1) took the loss for Miami despite a powerful outing. He struck out 12 batters over six innings but was tagged for five runs on five hits.

The game remained 5-4 until the ninth. Facing Miami reliever Ryan Bilka, Jones led off with a double and Jac Caglianone was intentionally walked. Surowiec then drove a 1-2 pitch deep over the left-field wall for his third home run of the season, providing the final margin.

Lugo-Canchola and Whritenour closed the door in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.

Williams finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs for Miami. Jones was 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored for Florida.

The teams conclude the three-game series Sunday afternoon.