Although Florida might not face a better starting rotation than it did against Miami, it held its own in its first road series this season — even though the team dropped the series.
The No. 23 Gators (5-3) threw eight freshmen and saw five more get action at the plate against the Hurricanes’ deep pitching staff, led by left-handers Chris Diaz, Bryan Radziewski and Andrew Suarez.
Florida avoided the sweep, driving in four first-inning runs off Suarez en route to a 6-4 victory in the finale. Florida hosts Illinois (2-4) and Florida Gulf Coast (5-3) in a round-robin tournament at McKethan Stadium starting Thursday. Each team will play each other twice.
“In losing two games to a rival on the road with so many young players, it’s a good win. It’s a really quality win,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said following the finale.
“We need to go back home, we need to regroup and there are a lot of things we need to improve on obviously.”
Florida outhit Miami 27-23 over the weekend. Three UM home runs on Friday and a three-run home run by UM freshman Zack Collins were big difference-makers in UF’s two losses. For the Gators, seeing more of their freshmen on the field at Alex Rodriguez Park is something to build off of.
Third baseman John Sternagel went 2 for 4 in his first career start on Sunday. Left-hander Kirby Snead retired all four batters he faced on Friday and Sunday.
Left-hander A.J. Puk earned the win after throwing 1.1 innings.
Center fielder Buddy Reed saved bases all weekend, roaming the expansive outfield grass. Pete Alonso started at designated hitter and first base while from the fourth spot throughout the entire weekend.
Mattson proving versatile: Through eight games, Braden Mattson has played catcher, first base, third base and right field. The transfer from San Jacinto community college and Texas Christian has made O’Sullivan’s job easier.
Case in point: Mattson started Friday and Saturday at first base against Miami.
Mattson moved to right field due to a double switch in the eighth inning of Game 2. He made his first start this season at catcher on Sunday.
His versatility and hot bat seemingly assures him an everyday spot. At .429, he tops the Gators in batting average and ranks third with nine hits.
He can also give Taylor Gushue a day off behind the plate and face left-handers at the plate when needed.
Gators searching for hitters: Gushue, the Gators’ premier middle-of-the-order hitter, leads UF with one home run and nine RBIs. He erupted in Miami, going 6 for 12 while mainly hitting right-handed.
Florida had trouble finding consistent offense throughout its order last year, especially with runners in scoring position.
Gushue finished first on the team with 33 RBIs in 2013. What’s the secret?
“It’s all about the mentality you have at the plate. Not putting too much pressure on yourself in pressure situations,” Gushue said two weeks before the season. “Last year, there were a lot of pressure situations.
“This year I think it’ll be less (pressure situations), because we have more bats in the lineup. We have guys that can get it done from top to bottom.”
Weekend schedule: First pitch for Thursday’s game against Florida Gulf Coast, Friday’s game against Illinois and Saturday’s game against FGCU will be 7 p.m. The finale against Illinois on Sunday will begin at 1 p.m.
Follow Adam Pincus on Twitter @adamDpincus
Taylor Gushue bats during Florida’s 4-0 win against Maryland on Feb. 14 at McKethan Stadium. Gushue leads Florida with one home run and nine RBIs through the Gators’ first eight games.
