Thompson's 3 HRs powers Gators to regional title

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Thompson became the first Florida player to hit three home runs in a postseason game and Florida beat Florida Atlantic 15-0 to clinch the Gainesville Regional.

Thompson also doubled and drove in six runs. Brian Johnson pitched seven shutout innings, homered and was named the regional's most outstanding player.

The Gators (45-15) improved to 31-3 at home and advanced to next weekend's super regionals, where they'll host either Miami or Texas A&M.

Getting contributions from the plate and the mound, Florida outscored its three NCAA tournament opponents by 27 runs. The Gators had double-digit hits in every game and allowed a combined five runs in wins against Bethune-Cookman, Oregon State and Florida Atlantic (37-24).