Gators near flawless in 4-0 win vs. BC

By Josh Benton

The Gators’ pitching and defense continued to dominate duing a 4-0 win over the Boston College Eagles (2-2) on Thursday night at McKethan Stadium.

Florida starting pitcher Brian Johnson (2-0) had a perfect game going through five and two-thirds innings before giving up a single in the top of the sixth.  Before the hit, Johnson had retired 27 consecutive batters over two games.

“I didn’t even realize (it was a perfect game bid) to be honest,” Johnson said.  “We didn’t bring it up at all.  I just kind of went about everything the same.  I tried to go through the same routine, start off early in the count throwing strikes like last week.  I felt good.  I felt all my pitching was there.  I hung that one slider to give up the hit.  Other than that, the real key is just to throw all your pitches for strikes.  I’m just happy for the win.”

Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan was pleased with Johnson’s domination of the strike zone, a tenant of the pitching philosophy for the Gators.

“Brian was outstanding,” O’Sullivan said.  “He had command of all four of his pitches, and was pitching ahead of the count.  He was outstanding.  He doesn’t miss his spots very often.  He kind of changed his look the second time through the order.  He can do a lot of things.”

Through six-plus innings, Johnson gave up just the one hit, striking out five and walking one batter before turning the game over to Steven Rodriguez in the seventh.  Rodriguez (0-0, 1 sv) gave up the other BC hit and struck out three batters for the three-inning save.

The Florida defense played error-free behind Johnson and Rodriguez.  Centerfielder Kamm Washington had a busy night defensively, making six putouts on the night.  Shortstop Nolan Fontana assisted on a further six outs, and right fielder Preston Tucker made a great catch in the top of the third inning.

“It’s so easy to play the field when Johnson’s throwing,” Tucker said.  “He throws strikes, keeps infielders on their toes, puts balls in play and gets outs early.  We know that if we can push a run or two across every inning or two that Johnson’s going to go and shut them down.  Same with our bullpen.  They’ve done a great job so far of keeping the other team out of the game and not letting them get back in the game.”

Offensively, Tucker was the only player for either team with a multi-hit game.

“I’m just trying to keep my front shoulder in,” Tucker said.  “I’m not trying to pull balls or push the ball the other way, I’m just trying to hit the ball up the middle of the field, stay back on breaking balls and trying to barrel it up.”

The Gators were either hoping to get to the basketball game at the O’Dome or were determined to finish in time to watch Jeopardy.  The game lasted only two hours and one minute, the shortest game so far this young season.  2,553 fans showed up at McKethan Stadium for Thursday’s game, which had changed starting times because of the Florida-Georgia basketball game. 

The second game of the series will start at 5:00 p.m. Friday.  UF pitcher Hudson Randall (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will start against a Boston College pitcher to be determined.