A walk-off win for Tigers

UF falls in 9th as Auburn forces today’s decisive Game 3

GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators will have to take the long way to Omaha.

A dramatic 3-2 loss to Auburn sealed in the ninth inning Sunday forced a third game tonight to decide whether the Gators or the Tigers will advance to the College World Series.

A walk-off double by Auburn second baseman Luke Jarvis off All-SEC reliever Michael Byrne scored pinch-hitter Cade Evans with the game-winner to force a winner-take-all game at 8 p.m. today.

“I liked our resilience,” Auburn coach Butch Thompson said. “I’m happy to have one more day to fight.”

The Gators have shown plenty of resilience themselves during the postseason. UF won deciding games during its past three NCAA regionals, including last weekend’s Gainesville Regional.

A year ago, the Gators lost to Wake Forest on a walk-off home run during the second game of the Super Regional. UF came back a day later to win 3-0 behind freshman pitcher Tyson Dyson on the

MATT STAMEY/ASSOCIATED PRESS Luke Jarvis celebrates as his walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th powers Auburn past UF.