JACKSONVILLE — Jackson Kowar’s heart raced.
The freshman pitcher took the mound for No. 2 Florida on Tuesday against No. 12 Florida State at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, drawing the start in front of 9,035 college baseball fans — the largest crowd of his fledgling baseball career.
His nerves rattled as he adjusted to the environment.
But after giving up a two-out home run in the first inning to FSU freshman Cal Raleigh, Kowar settled down.
With laser-sharp focus, Kowar went on to strike out the final batter of the inning and played with composure throughout five innings of work, earning his third win of the season as the Gators defeated the Seminoles 3-2.
"A lot of times, it’s really easy to overthrow after that," Kowar said. "But I just tried to stay focused and not try to do too much and still locate but not try to blow it by everyone."
Kowar gave up just five hits — four of which came with two outs — while striking out four batters during his time on the mound. He improved to 3-0 on the season and his ERA dropped to 2.84.
"Jackson had to make some big pitches," UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said after the win.
"To be honest with you, we were going to do everything we could to try to win the game. That was it."
And Kowar did what he needed to do to win.
The 6-foot-5 righty did not allow a hit with runners in scoring position and allowed just two free passes.
"You saw him bear down," said fellow freshman pitcher Brady Singer, Kowar’s roommate who also tossed three innings in the win.
The fourth inning proved to be Kowar’s biggest test.
After he gave up a two-out single to Jackson Lueck, FSU’s Darren Miller ripped a 3-1 pitch to the right-field corner.
Lueck raced around the bases before a relay throw from Jeremy Vasquez to Dalton Guthrie to JJ Schwarz at home plate ended the inning.
"As a pitcher, that is the best feeling in the world when the defense saves runs for you," Kowar said. "That was awesome."
After struggling in his Southeastern Conference debut — walking two runners who would eventually score in Florida’s 6-2 win against Missouri on March 19 — Kowar is beginning to string together quality outings.
Over his last two appearances — Tuesday and March 22 against Florida Atlantic — Kowar gave up just two runs and eight hits over 9.1 innings of work while striking out 10 batters.
The nerves were still there, but the stage isn’t as big anymore for the freshman.
"You just kind of take deep breaths and slow the game down, which is a lot easier said than done, especially when you get out there and it gets loud," Kowar said.
Contact Jordan McPherson at jmcpherson@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @J_McPherson1126.
Jackson Kowar pitches during Florida's 5-4 win over North Florida on March 9, 2016, at McKethan Stadium.
