Head coach Kevin O’Sullivan stated on Saturday the Gators have to move on after getting swept by Arkansas.
His statement will be put to the test after four straight losses halted Florida’s momentum before the first round of the SEC Championship tournament on Tuesday morning. The No. 9 Florida Gators travel to Hoover, Alabama to take on a familiar foe, the Kentucky Wildcats.
Last time out, the Gators visited the Wildcats May 6-8 in Lexington, Kentucky for a three-game series. Florida dropped the first bout but came back strong on days two and three to finish off Kentucky.
Gators aces Tommy Mace (5-1) and Hunter Barco (9-2) haven’t displayed an ounce of wear and tear thus far, leaving O’Sullivan with solid options to begin day one.
All-SEC Newcomer Barco took care of business that Sunday with 10 strikeouts and zero runs allowed in 6.2 innings pitched.
The right-handed Mace also showcased his skill against Kentucky that weekend. The junior struck out nine Wildcats in seven innings despite four runs allowed in the Gators win.
Cole Stupp (4-5) leads the way in the other bullpen with a team-leading 13 starts and 71 strikeouts. In the first meeting, the sophomore stayed on the mound through 6.2 innings after he surrendered five earned runs, three walks and three strikeouts.
Stupp attempts to keep Florida’s offense in the cooler, especially UF first baseman Kendrick Calilao. The sophomore totes a .505 slugging percentage after he slammed four home runs and drove in 10 RBIs since his May 7 heroics in Lexington.
The Gators fell behind 5-0 early in their loss to Kentucky and didn’t score a run until the sixth inning to dash hopes of a game-one comeback.
Florida overcame the Wildcats in the series, but there’s only one chance this time, and Kentucky sees an opportunity to kick their opponent while they’re down.
The first pitch is set for a bright and early 10:30 a.m. start from Hoover, Alabama. Watch the first round of the tournament on the SEC Network or dial into 98.1 FM/850AM for the radio broadcast.
Contact Jesse Richardson at jrichardson@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @JesseRich352
