In a game with few hits and little opportunities for big plays, J.J. Schwarz made the most of his chances in Florida’s series opener against Stony Brook.
The freshman ripped an 0-2 curveball from Stony Brook pitcher Tim Knesnik down the left-field line in the bottom of the sixth for an RBI double, scoring Harrison Bader from first to give the No. 6 Gators (8-1) the 1-0 win over the Seawolves (2-5) on Friday at McKethan Stadium.
“I hadn’t really seen a curveball from him the entire game,” Schwarz said. “But I just stayed back a little bit longer than I usually do and I got lucky as it went right down the line.”
Florida’s win — the team’s first shutout of the season — gave coach Kevin O’Sullivan the 300th victory of his career.
He became the third UF coach to reach the milestone, joining Dave Fuller (1948-1975) and Joe Arnold (1984-1994).
“A lot of that credit goes to (assistant coaches) Brad (Weitzel) and Craig (Bell) and everybody involved,” O’Sullivan said. “Obviously, it’s a nice milestone but our main focus is helping our players get better every day.”
Sophomore pitcher Logan Shore, who left the mound in the first inning of last week’s series opener against Miami with a hip flexor, earned his second win of the season after tossing 6.1 scoreless innings. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota, native gave up just one hit and struck out three batters in the process.
“I felt pretty good, definitely felt better than last weekend,” Shore said. “My body felt a lot looser. I just tried to get ahead, throw with the count in my favor by throwing strikes and see what happens.”
Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday at 4 p.m.
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Freshman JJ Schwarz bats during Florida's 7-2 loss to Miami on Saturday at McKethan Stadium.
