Florida Gators baseball hosts in-state rival Florida State University tonight. Florida has won 20 of the past 24 matchups against their rivals. Under Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan, the overall series record is 33-19.
FSU hopes to do something they have not done in the regular season against the Gators since 2015, which is to get a win.
Rowdy Reptiles
In non-conference play, Florida holds a 37-6 record in their previous 43 matchups and is off to an 18-3 start to the season.
The team is currently top-5 in almost every offensive statistic ranking, including No. 3 in runs (315), No. 3 in home runs (73), and No. 3 in slugging percentage (.599).
They are also No. 4 in both hits (364) and triples (17).
https://twitter.com/GatorsBB/status/1645781243764649986
The Gators are coming off an SEC series win against the Tennessee Volunteers and have won nine of their last 11 games and hope to add to that overall number.
FSU Struggles
The Seminoles have been experiencing a subpar season thus far compared to what the baseball team is used to.
Before their previous matchup against Clemson this past Thursday, the team was on a 10-game losing streak which included four series losses.
The Seminoles are pitching to a 5.45 ERA and hold an overall record of 13-18. Additionally, they hold a lackluster conference record of 4-11.
Gators to Watch
The starting pitcher for the visiting team will be RHP Ben Barrett. He holds no wins or losses and has a 4.91 ERA.
Florida’s Ryan Slater gets the nod to start against the Seminoles. He is 4-0 as a starter and has a 3.80 ERA. He was also the starting pitcher last season for the iconic walk-off against their rival FSU.
Gators shortstop Josh Rivera and Pitcher Jac Caglianone were named to the Golden Spikes Midseason list on April 5.
Florida State Standout
Florida State’s Jaime Ferrer continues to be the most reliable hitter for the team and will be relied on to continue that trend going into tonight.
#SCTop10 to start the day for @Ferrer1227 pic.twitter.com/cSL5Farn7G
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) April 8, 2023
How to Watch
Game Start: 6 P.M. EST
SEC Network+
Listen on ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF