Freshman Buddy Reed has a motto: Never stop running.
That phrase came in handy in the center fielder’s collegiate debut Friday.
Reed played a key role in No. 23 Florida’s season-opening 4-0 win against Maryland at McKethan Stadium.
The speedy outfielder scored the Gators’ second run of the game on a two-run fielder’s choice off the bat of another freshman, Ryan Larson.
With the bases loaded in a scoreless game, Larson hit a chopper up the third-base line. Maryland third baseman Jose Cuas fielded the grounder and flipped to catcher Kevin Martir, but the ball bounced out of his glove, allowing DH Peter Alonso to score the game’s first run.
Reed, who had been stationed at second, bolted around third toward home, sliding in safely to give the Gators a 2-0 lead.
“After I rounded third … the catcher misplayed it, and then I just decided to take off,” Reed said.
“I guess it was all me — just instincts. But [third-base coach Craig Bell] would’ve probably told me to go anyway.”
Said coach Kevin O’Sullivan: “You don’t see that very often.”
Reed wasn’t done showing off his athleticism.
With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Terrapins center fielder Charlie White laced a fly ball to center.
Reed had been playing shallow against his speedy center-field counterpart and needed to turn his back to he infield to race down the fly ball, making a sliding over-the-shoulder catch to end the inning.
“I’ve been bragging about him … for a while,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s got skills, he’s got tools. He’s got what the professional people look for.”
Larson, who started next to Reed in left field, said he and Reed have a friendly rivalry going, competing against each other during practice.
“We’ve kind of developed that relationship where, ‘Hey, let’s go hit, let’s go field,’” Larson said. “And we push each other.”
Larson was no slouch in his college debut as well, notching his first career RBI in the third inning, which proved to be the only run Florida needed.
“I got to first, and I was like, ‘Woah,’” Larson said.
With last year’s freshman outfield star Harrison Bader suspended indefinitely after Gainesville Police launched an investigation into his blood-alcohol level when he crashed a scooter, both Larson and Reed may see substantial playing time early in their college careers — especially if they keep playing like they did on Friday.
Another freshman is schedule to make a big debut when Florida plays the second game of its three-game home series against Maryland.
Freshman right-hander Brett Morales will take the hill against the Terrapins on Saturday at 4 p.m.
“Whatever coach sends our way, I think all of us as a freshman class are ready for,” Larson said. “We’re ready, whatever he throws our way.”
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Buddy Reed looks to bunt during Florida's 4-0 win over Maryland.
