The Gators defeated FSU 9-5 in Tuesday’s midweek clash inside Dick Howser Stadium.
The Seminoles (12-9, 3-3 ACC) jumped all over the Gators (19-4, 2-1 SEC) early on, leading 5-1 after four innings of play.
Florida’s starter Tyler Nesbitt gave up three earned runs across 3.2 innings pitched while allowing five hits and two free passes.
LHP Cade Fisher was the first Gator called out of the bullpen. The Freshman didn’t record an out in his three batters faced, allowing one run, one hit, and two walks.
Nick Ficarrotta would clean things up for Fisher, tossing one inning, allowing one hit and one HBP while striking out two batters.
Philip Abner was the next Gator on the bump, and this is where momentum started to shift.
Abner (2-0) secured the victory, blanking the Noles across 2.1 innings of relief. He surrendered just two hits and struck out six.
After a rough start to the season, the left-handed pitcher has consistently dominated. Abner extended his scoreless streak to seven innings spanning four appearances. Coach Kevin O’Sullivan has been in search of more quality bullpen arms; he may have found one in Philip Abner. Not many pitchers on the team have the stuff that Abner does. If he can command his pitches and throw with confidence, look out.
With their backs against the wall, the Gators found the scoreboard in the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth inning.
Florida’s offense erupted for a five-run eighth inning to grab the lead. With the bases loaded, Matt Prevesk knotted the contest with an RBI single to left field. Following the clutch base knock, the trio of Robertson, Caglianone and Rivera followed with run-scoring singles of their own, with Rivera driving in a pair to cap off the inning.
Without Wyatt Langford, the Gators have been in search of their everyday left fielder. Prevesk may have given coach Sullivan a reason to try him in the outfield. The Apopka, Florida native has delivered in limited chances at the plate this season, batting 4-11 (.364) with two RBIs and one run scored.
With a 9-5 lead, Florida called on closer Brandon Neely out of the bullpen. The right-hander quickly worked a clean frame in the eighth before cementing the victory with a nine-pitch ninth inning.
Seminoles reliever Jamie Arnold (1-2) was charged with the loss. The southpaw gave up three earned runs over one-third of an inning, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out one batter.
Jac Caglianone had a big night at the plate, totaling four hits and three RBIs in the contest.
It’s time we start talking about Josh Rivera as one of the better ballplayers in college baseball. His two-hit game brought his batting average DOWN to .416. His approach at the plate has drastically improved and his leadership in the locker room doesn’t go unnoticed either. The Florida Gators are glad to have Josh Rivera as their shortstop.
The Gators have won 20 of their last 24 games against FSU and hold a record of 33-19 under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan.
Florida will look to take the season long series against the Seminoles on March 28th, at 7:00 PM. The three-game series will close on April 11th at 6:00 PM in Gainesville.