GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Columbia baseball fought back after No. 4 Florida jumped ahead with a 10-run first inning, but the Lions ultimately were defeated, 15-6, in their 2024 season opener on Friday at Condron Family Ballpark.

Anton Lazits led the way for Columbia with a two-homer night. The junior went 3-for-4 at the dish with a game-high four RBIs, one off his career-high five from last April at Dartmouth. His three hits also marked his 10th career three-hit performance. Skye Selinsky was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Griffin Palfrey drove in two with a double in the seventh.

Lazits' pair of two-run homers and Palfrey's two-run double in the seventh cut Florida's 10-run lead down to 10-6.

Brandon Madrigal had a good performance in relief. The senior from Moorpark, California surrendered just one hit and struck out one over two scoreless innings. He did allow three Gators to reach base on walks but worked his way out of trouble, including escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fifth.

Florida's 10 runs in the first came on seven hits and one Columbia error. Brody Donay's two-run homer made it a 7-0 game. Colby Shelton's sac fly drove in the last run of the frame.

Columbia outscored Florida, 6-5, over the final eight innings but could not do enough to climb out of the hole. Luke Heyman led the UF (3-1) offense by going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs.

Columbia is back in action for game two with the Gators on Saturday at 6 p.m.

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