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The Florida baseball team (20-11, 1-8 SEC) is set to swing into its series against No. 23 Vanderbilt (21-8, 4-5) Friday at Condron Family Ballpark.
This matchup dates back to 1927, where the Gators have a 148-82-1 record and a 84-24 record at home. Florida swept Vanderbilt the last time the series was in Gainesville. However, the last time the teams met, the Commodores took the 6-3 win. They kept the Gators scoreless for seven innings until Florida scored its first few runs in the final two.
Change of Trajectory
After winning its last two games, Florida is looking for a new, winning routine. The Gators are coming off a hot 8-4 win against North Florida, where Bobby Boser led the team with two homers, one being a grand slam. Colby Shelton accounted for another one of the homers on Tuesday, tallying his 50th of his collegiate career.
5️⃣0️⃣ career Shelton Shots! #GoGators x @ColbyShelton9 pic.twitter.com/GQPlTupKis
— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) April 2, 2025
On the mound, the Florida pitching staff continued to struggle as the nine rotating pitchers combined 10 strikeouts and walked seven.
In order to win the series this weekend, the starting pitchers will have to throw more than three innings. Furthermore, the bullpen will have to harness momentum to not give up runs later in the game.
Vanderbilt is heading into the weekend with a 5-4 midweek, extra-inning win against Western Kentucky. Prior, the Commodores were swept by Arkansas.
Peterson’s Prize
It was just announced that right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson earned a spot on the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Midseason Watch List. He was one of 45 amateur players to make the list. This award honors the top amateur baseball player in the country that has not only talent, but also sportsmanship. The semifinalist announcement will be on May 18, and the winner will be announced in late June.
LP → Golden Spikes Watch List
️ https://t.co/PGTZmtDItF | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/rL95Heu7Tv
— Florida Gators Baseball (@GatorsBB) April 3, 2025
Tuning In
Peterson will throw Friday’s first pitch at 6:30 p.m. RHP Aidan King will start in Saturday’s game, which got moved up to 1 p.m. due to the Florida men’s basketball team making the Final Four of March Madness. Coverage of both games will be on SEC Network+ and ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF + WJXL 1010AM.
The series closer will stream on SEC Network and ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF + WJXL 1010AM on Sunday at noon. Sunday’s starting pitcher is still to be determined.
