Florida baseball’s Josh Rivera was named SEC Co-Newcomer of the Week Monday. The announcement followed the now-No. 10 Gators’ weekend series win against the previously No. 2 Vanderbilt Commodores.
The infielder’s weekend performance at the plate helped the Gators overpower the Commodores on offense. The shortstop went 5-11 on the series to lead the team with a .455 batting average and batted in a run.
Rivera recorded a hit and a run scored in Friday’s loss. In Saturday’s win, Rivera went 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
Rivera’s three-hit game on Saturday was a season high for the freshman. The Avon Park, Florida, native also reached a season-high in runs scored and fielding assists.
Rivera added his first extra-base hit of the weekend with a double on Sunday.
Although 2021 is Rivera’s second year as a Gator, this season marks the first time Rivera experienced SEC play due to 2020’s early ending.
Rivera and the Gators look to carry the momentum from the weekend into a midweek head-to-head against Stetson on Tuesday.
Contact Sara Kate Dyson at skatedyson@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @sarakatedyson
