The Gators could not buy runs against the Razorbacks.
Although Florida (13-7, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) won its first conference series, it came on the back of strong pitching, not from an offensive surge.
“We hit a lot of balls hard,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “I know we only scored six runs, but [the offense] was better than six runs.”
One- and two-run outings were enough for the Gators in the first two games, but they showed their need for better hitting in Game 3, when they fell behind 4-0 in the first two innings and could not make up the difference.
“I felt like we swung the bats pretty good,” catcher Braden Mattson said.
Hitting is not going to get any easier for Florida. Up next on the schedule is No. 2 Florida State (17-2, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which Florida plays tonight at 7 at McKethan Stadium. The Seminoles boast a staff ERA of 2.69.
The staff numbers do not bode well for the Gators’ offense, which hit .200 with runners on base against the Razorbacks on Sunday.
“I felt like we were maybe one at-bat away from getting right back in this thing,” O’Sullivan said.
However, Florida will likely benefit from the return of one of its best hitters.
Outfielder Harrison Bader, who missed 19 games after being suspended following a scooter accident and DUI investigation, returned to the lineup on Sunday and went 2 for 4. Despite the two hits, he did not have an RBI.
“Physically and everything, I was prepared,” Bader said. “I’ve been working hard. I’ve been getting at-bats and stuff like that.”
In order to drive in those crucial runs, Florida needs its top-of-the-order hitters to go back to their hitting ways. Both Richie Martin and Casey Turgeon went 0 for 4 at the plate. The hitters who followed — Bader and designated hitter Taylor Gushue — had two hits apiece but no RBIs.
But there might be a silver lining. Although the Seminole’s staff is strong, the Gators might have been lucky enough to draw a weak link.
FSU starting pitcher Peter Miller, who posted a 3.66 ERA in 33 appearances during his first three seasons at Florida State, has struggled early in the 2014 campaign.
The senior has surrendered nine runs in 9.1 innings pitched — good for an ERA of 8.68.
“I’ve never played against them,” Mattson said. “This will be fun for me … It’s a big game everyone’s pretty excited for.”
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @alichtenstein24
Taylor Gushue bats during Florida’s 1-0 win against Arkansas on Saturday at McKethan Stadium. UF went 3 for 15 with runners on base in its 9-3 loss Sunday.
