Florida baseball hits the highway for one more Southeastern Convention matchup, this time in opposition to the sixth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, on Thursday, April 20, for a three-game weekend collection inside Founders Park in Columbia, South Carolina, and in the event you’re questioning how one can watch the motion reside, you’ve come to the suitable place.
The Gators received off to a robust begin in non-conference play earlier than incomes a collection win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at dwelling to open SEC competitors. Florida then took a single midweek recreation from the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee earlier than sweeping a doubleheader over the Ole Miss Rebels on the highway, following that up with two out of three at dwelling from the Auburn Tigers.
Florida prevailed over the visiting Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at dwelling earlier than taking two of three on the highway in opposition to the Tennessee Volunteers. Then on Tuesday, the Gators prevailed over the Seminoles once more earlier than dropping the opener to the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday, 13-11. They bounced again on Saturday, 2-1, earlier than clinching the collection on Sunday, 11-6. Florida then mercy-ruled the Florida A&M Rattlers on Tuesday, 17-7.
| Group | Pitcher | Document | ERA |
| FLORIDA | RHP Brandon Sproat | 5.1 | 4.96 |
| SOUTH CAROLINA | LHP Will Sanders | 3-1 | 5.03 |
Brandon Sporat went seven innings in opposition to Georgia final weekend, which is essentially the most he’s pitched for the reason that full recreation in opposition to Alabama on March 16. He gave up 4 runs however nonetheless struck out eight and gave up simply three hits and two walks.
Sproat tends to show it up for large video games, so anticipate him to go not less than 5 and be chucking 99 mph proper out of the gate.
Will Sanders is one other draft man that scouts cherished popping out of highschool, and he’s more likely to go within the first spherical this summer time. His fastball sits 92-94 mph with good run and he’s received a changeup that falls proper off the plate in opposition to lefties.
Sanders hasn’t been lights out in opposition to the SEC this season, however he did hurl three shutout innings in opposition to LSU. The Tigers and Gators share related strengths, in order that might be a nasty omen for UF. — David Rosenberg
It’s unclear if Evans will return for this collection, however Matt Prevesk would probably begin in rightfield if he can’t go. Evans slid into the wall final Sunday and left the sport early. He received the midweek recreation in opposition to Florida A&M off to relaxation up. — Rosenberg
Gary Cosby Jr.-The Tuscaloosa Information
Petry was already talked about within the intro, nevertheless it’s value going over his stats to offer an concept of how actually harmful he’s. The Golden Spikes candidate is slashing .426/.487/.879 with 56 hits, 18 dwelling runs and 56 RBIs. The one draw back in his recreation is that he strikes out (31) much more than he walks (13), however the identical will be mentioned about Caglianone.
Limiting Petry is the important thing this weekend. An enormous dwelling run on the proper second from him might utterly flip the collection in favor of South Carolina, particularly being in Columbia. — Rosenberg
| OVERALL | 51-51 |
| AT HOME | 29-16 |
| AWAY | 18-28 |
| NEUTRAL | 4-7 |
NOTES: South Carolina has gotten the higher of Florida in Columbia and in Hoover, Alabama, traditionally, however this is without doubt one of the finest Gators groups we’ve seen shortly. Successful the collection means taking the all-time lead. — Rosenberg
GAME 1: Florida, 5-4
SERIES: Waldrep is the one starter I’m assured will give the Gators an opportunity to win, however this crew performs like they’ve one thing to show each evening so I’m trusting the offense and selecting a sweep. Sproat would possibly surrender 4, however he’ll battle to maintain Florida in it within the collection opener.
South Carolina’s accidents on the mound would possibly give UF the benefit on Sunday, too, however you by no means which Caglianone Florida goes to get.
Florida makes a press release with a sweep of No. 6 South Carolina. — Rosenberg
Comply with us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our web page on Fb to observe ongoing protection of Florida Gators information, notes and opinions.