Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan isn’t hitting the panic button yet.
He’s been displeased with his team’s results, but he’s keeping things in perspective.
Even though Florida (3-6) is in the midst of its first five-game losing streak since 2008 as it hosts Miami (9-0) this weekend, the team is managing to keep an optimistic outlook.
“There’s no sense to keep harping on a loss or keep harping on the mistakes,” O’Sullivan said.
“There are positives. … Losing is contagious, but also winning is as well. All it takes is one good game and everybody is starting to feel good about themselves and you get things rolling in the right direction.”
UF lost five straight games under O’Sullivan in 2008 on the heels of a 20-5 start. The Gators rebounded from that slump with a three-game winning streak. Three of Florida’s six losses in 2013 have been in extra innings. The other three defeats have been by just one run, so the team believes success isn’t far off.
“I think we need to improve and stay positive,” O’Sullivan said. “There’s not much we can do with what’s already happened. Everyone knows we’ve been one pitch away in this ball game or one quality at-bat away in that ball game.”
However, O’Sullivan voiced his frustrations about Wednesday’s 7-6 loss to North Florida immediately following the game in a 20-minute meeting with his team in the dugout. He criticized the players for their tentative approaches at the plate.
While poor pitching hampered the Gators in the loss, they also made mental mistakes that upset O’Sullivan. Sophomore Justin Shafer was picked off at first base in the fifth inning after a leadoff single and likely would have scored on a Taylor Gushue single two batters later. The infield also failed to execute a rundown between second and third base in the top of the inning on a play during which UNF took a 4-3 lead.
“We practice every little situation,” third baseman Zack Powers said. “All that matters is executing it in a game.”
The offense came alive in the game with 13 hits, and it wasn’t something O’Sullivan overlooked. Rather, he hopes the team can build on its offensive success.
“We’re close,” O’Sullivan said.
“We’re close. We’re going to focus on the positives just like Wednesday night. I was really pleased with how we swung the bat.”
Jonathon Crawford will get the start for the Gators tonight, while the Hurricanes will counter with lefty Chris Diaz. Tucker Simpson will start Saturday, and Sunday’s starter will depend on how much Florida uses its bullpen during the first two games. O’Sullivan said he hopes Crawford can set the tone for the series going forward.
“We’re going to focus on the positives and try to correct our mistakes and stay focused on one thing,” O’Sullivan said.
“And that’s coming out on Friday night and Jonathon putting up a zero in the first inning and having a good game. It’s really as simple that.”
Contact Josh Jurnovoy at jjurnovoy@alligator.org.
Infielder Zack Powers (5) speaks to assistant coach Craig Bell on third base during Florida’s 7-4 loss to Florida Gulf Coast on Feb. 24 at McKethan Stadium. Powers is 1 for 8 in the series against No. 10 Kentucky.
