No. 23 Florida baseball blanked South Carolina for the second straight game to secure the series victory, defeating the Gamecocks 3-0 on Saturday night. The back-to-back shutouts mark the program’s first in SEC play since a series vs. Ole Miss in 2013.
With the win, the Gators improved to 17-3 (2-0 SEC) and already have more SEC wins than they did through their first 12 conference games last season.
Aidan King sets the tone
Saturday starter Aidan King was brilliant across six shutout innings against South Carolina, finishing his outing on an efficient 87 pitches, 56 of them strikes. King allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out nine batters.
“I thought his fastball command was outstanding. He had a really good feel for his changeup. Didn’t use his slider as much tonight because the changeup was so good,” head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said postgame. “He was outstanding. Totally in control. I was really proud of the way he bounced back from his last start.”
O’Sullivan challenged his starters to get through six innings this weekend. Both Liam Peterson and Aidan King accomplished the task, setting up the Gators’ bullpen well for Game 3.
“That’s two starts where our starters go six innings. It makes my job so much easier with the bullpen,” O’Sullivan said.
King has yet to allow an earned run this season through five starts and 23.1 innings pitched. He’s struck out 26 batters and walked just three over that span.
Efficiency in the bullpen
Starting pitchers going six strong innings helps, but so does efficiency in the bullpen. Ernesto Lugo-Canchola and Jackson Barberi combined to throw the final three innings on just 30 pitches. Barberi recorded the final five outs on 14 pitches.
As a result, Florida enters Game 3 without having used Russell Sandefer, Luke McNeillie, or Schuyler Sandford this weekend. Barberi and Lugo-Canchola could also be available for another inning or two Sunday.
South Carolina managed just three hits on Saturday after one in Game 1.
Gators play small ball
In a wind-aided game at Condron Ballpark, Florida emphasized small ball, a strategy rarely seen in the SEC. The Gators opened the game with a bunt-for-hit attempt, and Kyle Jones reached second on a throwing error. Florida also utilized sac bunts, hit and runs, and stolen bases throughout the game.
“We knew going into last night and tonight, the wind was going to be really playing havoc in the outfield,” O’Sullivan said. “The ball was not going to carry. You have to learn to score runs in different ways.”
Florida cashed in on a two-out steal by Kolt Myers in the fourth, as he later scored on a dropped fly ball to right field.
The Gators used a pair of sac flies in the seventh inning to extend their lead to 3-0.
Eyes on the sweep
Winning the series was important, even though South Carolina is likely to finish near the bottom of the SEC. Sweeps are difficult, no matter the opponent, but Florida has the chance to do so on Sunday at noon ET.
“Tomorrow is just as important as any other game,” O’Sullivan said. “And tomorrow is a quick turnaround. We’ll do everything in our power to make sure they’re ready to go.”