After being lambasted by their coaching staff Saturday night, the Gators returned to form on Sunday.
UF blasted Brown 11-2, winning the series against the Bears, and the difference in UF's energy was palpable after the Gators coasted through most of the first two games.
"We came out with a different mindset today," coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. "We were more focused and they had a plan at the plate. Defensively we made some really nice plays."
The Gators (10-3) were aggressive from the start. Cole Figueroa's single through the left side drove in left fielder Avery Barnes and sparked a four-run first inning.
Center fielder Matt den Dekker's two-RBI double to left field drove in Figueroa and freshman outfielder Josh Adams. Den Dekker finished the day 2 of 5 with three RBIs and scored three runs.
"We came out today fired up," den Dekker said. "We knew we had to show something extra to help us come back from yesterday."
What freshman Tommy Toledo (2-0, 3.00 ERA) has shown thus far is leaving O'Sullivan impressed. The right-hander threw five innings, struck out two and allowed just two runs Sunday. O'Sullivan said he was more than happy with the mental toughness the 18-year-old has shown in his last two starts, which were must-win situations for the Gators.
"We're down in Miami and he's got to pitch well and he did," O'Sullivan said. "He had to come out and pitch well tonight and he did. He's delivered twice, and that's a good sign of a competitor when you've got to pitch well and you step up and deliver."
Toledo's confidence appears to be growing with each start. Despite his inexperience, O'Sullivan admits he doesn't know where UF would be had Toledo - who was drafted in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres - chosen to bypass college.
"I don't want to think about that," O'Sullivan said with a grin.
Third baseman Jon Townsend appears to have finally broken out of his early-season slump. The senior was 2 of 4 with three RBIs and got into a rhythm at the plate.
"I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable," Townsend said. "I've been working hard. Baseball's tough when you're in a slump and I've still got a ways to go.
"It's a learning experience. I've had some ups and downs and I'm trying to keep working hard and looking forward to our next couple of series."
