Gator Baseball Set to Host FAU

The Gator baseball team(10-3) begins its two-game series against the Florida Atlantic Owls (7-4) Tuesday.

The Gators claimed a 2-1 series victory over the Miami Hurricanes in Gainesville over the weekend. After splitting the first two games, the Gators closed out the series Sunday with a 14-4 win. Ty Evans’ two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning enforced the 10-run mercy rule.

The Owls look to bounce back after being swept in a three-game series against UConn.

Starting on the Mound

Senior left-handed pitcher Evan Waterbor will be on the mound for the Owls to open up the series. Waterbor, who will be making his third-career start, has claimed wins against UCF and Miami this season.

“He’s very mature,” Owls head coach John McCormack said. “He’s not going to get overwhelmed by anything.”

Freshmen right-handed pitcher Tyler Murphy will get his first career start as an Owl Wednesday night. Murphy has made three appearances as a relief pitcher against Monmouth, USF and UConn.

“He’s been very impressive,” McCormack said. “I felt that this was a good next move for him to continue on his collegiate journey.”

For the Gators, freshmen right-handed pitcher Yoel Tejeda Jr. will be making his third-career start Tuesday. The 6-foot-8-inch freshmen has a combined 4.76 ERA through his first two starts. The starting pitcher for Wednesday is still unknown for the Gators.

Gators Offense Looks to Stay Hot

The bats have been hot for the No. 6 Gators, who come into the series ranked first nationally in hits (164), home runs (35) and slugging percentage (.671).

Sophomore Jac Caglianone and junior Wyatt Langford headline the dangerous Gators lineup. Caglianone leads the NCAA in home runs with 10 while Langford has hit six home runs so far this season. Freshmen Cade Kurland has also been a key contributor, extending his hitting streak to 11 in Sunday’s win over Miami.

The Gators will look to continue their form offensively against the Owls at Condron Family Ballpark Tuesday.

First pitch is at 6 p.m.