Florida dropped its second game of the season and its first of a two-game series against UCF Tuesday night.
Alongside a shaky pitching performance, the No. 5 Gators (10-2) fell 4-3 to the No. 10 Knights (11-1).
“I think the most disappointing thing… was the way our guys came in and threw out of the pen,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said in a release. “No one attacked, no one threw quality strikes when they came out.”
Florida left-hander Bobby Poyner allowed three runs and four hits in 5.2 innings before being pulled in the sixth. As a whole, UF’s pitching staff struck out six batters and gave up six hits.
It was an inefficient night for UF’s batting order as well, as four players failed to record a hit.
Freshman Dalton Guthrie led the Gators with two RBIs, but went 1-for-5 at the plate.
Reigning Southeast Conference Freshman of the Week JJ Schwarz also had a quiet night with a 0-for-4 outing, as did Buddy Reed (0-for-3) and Richie Martin (0-for-3).
“Just one of those nights, “O’Sullivan said. “We just didn’t do enough to win the ball game. It’s just that simple.”
It was Florida’s first loss since falling to then-No. 8 Miami on Feb. 21. Both of UF’s losses this season have come against ranked opponents.
Florida continues play against UCF at home on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Follow Ian Cohen on Twitter @ICohenB
Bobby Poyner pitches during Florida’s 2-1 win against Arkansas on March 15, 2014 at McKethan Stadium.
