Troy secures its first Super Regional appearance in program history after dominating Florida in the Gainesville Regional final
Category: Sports
The Troy Trojans triumphed over the Florida Gators 10-2 in the NCAA Baseball Championship Gainesville Regional final on June 1, 2026, marking a historic moment as they advanced to their first-ever Super Regional. With this victory, Troy improved its record to 36-30, leaving Florida with a final record of 41-21.
This decisive win was not just a one-off; it underscored Troy's remarkable turnaround in the tournament. After losing their first regional game to Miami, the Trojans managed to win four consecutive elimination games, culminating in this championship victory against the top-seeded Gators.
Jimmy Janicki set the tone early in the game with a two-run double in the first inning, giving Troy a 2-0 lead. The Trojans maintained control throughout, especially during a five-run sixth inning that effectively sealed the game. This inning featured a bases-loaded RBI single from Drew Nelson and a perfect squeeze bunt by Sean Darnell, leading to a 7-1 advantage.
Jabe Boroff added to the scoring with a two-run double in the sixth and later hit a three-run homer in the eighth, bringing his total to four home runs and twelve RBIs across five regional games. Troy's offensive performance was highlighted by their ability to capitalize on Florida's pitching struggles, as the Gators' staff gave up seven walks and nine hits throughout the game.
Florida did manage to plate a run in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI single from Kyle Jones. The Gators attempted to rally in the seventh, narrowing the deficit to 7-2 with another run, but Troy responded decisively with Boroff's eighth-inning home run, which solidified their commanding lead.
Troy's road to the Gainesville Regional final was anything but straightforward. After an initial loss to Miami, the Trojans faced elimination but bounced back with impressive wins against Rider and Miami, winning 15-7 and 9-6, respectively. This remarkable comeback placed them in a winner-takes-all matchup against Florida, a team that had previously dominated the regional with a strong offensive showing.
The Trojans’ performance in the regional was a display of resilience. They became the eighth team since 2013 to lose their first game in a regional and still advance. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the team's depth and ability to perform under pressure.
In the final game, Troy's pitching staff was equally impressive. Hayden Smith started the game, allowing just one run in three innings, before Benjamin Stubbs took over and earned the win. Noah Thigpen closed the game, securing a save with four strikeouts over four innings. Their combined efforts held Florida to only seven hits, demonstrating a stark improvement from the previous day's performance.
With this victory, Troy is set to host Little Rock in a best-of-three Super Regional series, which will take place over the weekend. This matchup is particularly notable as it marks the first time Troy will host a Super Regional in its history. The series will be a key opportunity for the Trojans to secure a place in the College World Series.
The NCAA Super Regional schedule is expected to be released shortly, with fans eagerly awaiting details on the timing and logistics of the games. Troy's recent form suggests they could be a formidable opponent for Little Rock, especially considering their offensive firepower and newfound confidence.
As the Trojans prepare for this next challenge, the momentum from their recent performances will be invaluable. They have demonstrated skill and a tenacity that will be tested against a resilient Little Rock team that has also shown strength in its regional.
In the aftermath of their historic win, Troy's players and coaching staff are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming Super Regional. As coach Skylar Meade noted, "This is a moment we've worked hard for, and we’re ready to seize the opportunity that lies ahead." With the support of their fans, the Trojans aim to continue their remarkable postseason run.