No.4 Florida improved to 35-10 (14-7 SEC) after completing the series sweep of Missouri, outscoring the Tigers 30-15 in the three-game set.
Gator Country provides you with three key takeaways from Florida’s 10th series victory of the season including their fifth sweep.
BOUNCED BACK OFFENSIVELY
After scoring just 10 runs a weekend ago, the Gators struck for 30 runs across 23 innings at the plate against Missouri pitching.
Florida blasted seven home runs in the series, including two off the bat of the Nations home run leader, Jac Caglianone (25). Caglianone is one long ball shy of tying Wyatt Lanford and Matt LaPorta’s single season record of 26 home runs.
The Gators had 10+ hits in every game this weekend, posting a team batting average of .344.
Timely hits were difficult to find a week ago, but Florida batted .450 with runners on base, .560 with runners in scoring position, and .333 with two outs against the Tigers.
Junior outfielder Wyatt Langford had a monster weekend at the plate, totaling eight hits in 13 at bats, including five RBIs, two runs scored, and one home run. Langford has a team high .397 batting average.
NEW RIGHT FIELDER?
Infielder Tyler Shelnut made his first career start in right field this weekend as Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan is trying to get the best nine hitters on the field at once.
In three games as Florida’s right fielder, Shelnut went 5-11 at the plate with eight RBIs, three runs, and one home run.
Shelnut is brand new to the outfield, so his defensive performance wasn’t exactly silky smooth, but the Sante Fe transfer is up for the challenge and plans on continuing to take reps in right field. He was not credited with an error this weekend.
With Ty Evans and Matt Prevesk struggling at the plate this season, Shelnut might just be the answer the Gators are looking for in right field. If you are hitting, coach Sullivan will find a spot for you to play.
WELCOME BACK BRANDON NEELY
Florida’s closer, Brandon Neely, made his first appearances after serving his four-game suspension following his ejection against Georgia.
Neely combined for 4.1 innings of work across two appearances, allowing no runs, one hit, and one walk while striking out six batters. Neely earned his SEC-leading ninth save of the season on Sunday afternoon after keeping Missouri scoreless in the ninth frame, holding on to a one run lead.
“Neely came in and did an unbelievable job to close it out,” Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan said during Sunday’s postgame press conference.
This was as dominant as I’ve seen Neely in 2023. His presence on the mound is certainly felt by everyone around him.
Neely is one of the most valuable arms Florida has on its roster. The sophomore is a perfect 9-9 in save opportunities and leads the SEC in saves by four.
HONORABLE MENTION = BRANDON SPROAT
Florida’s ace Brandon Sproat was as dominant as he’s been all season on Friday night, tossing seven innings while allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out seven. Sproat’s lone free pass marks his lowest total in a start this season.
If Florida can get consistently get 6+ innings from Sproat, they will be very tough to beat on Friday night.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This was a much-needed sweep after having a winless weekend last time out. Florida is still in position to strike for the top spot in the SEC with nine conference games remaining.
did we beat a good team or crappy team, can’t tell from this article
Everything you need to know about Missouri can be found in my preview of the game. https://www.gatorcountry.com/florida-gators-baseball/no-4-florida-vs-missouri-baseball-preview/
grant, that’s a team that swept Tennessee at the beginning of the SEC schedule. They battled us pretty well. They’re not elite, but they’re good and a sweep of them is very good for the Gators.