GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida hosts Stetson on Tuesday night for the second of two meetings during the 2022 season, having won the first installment in DeLand, Fla. on Feb. 22 by a score of 8-1.
Tuesday’s midweek matchup will stream on SEC Network+ at 6 p.m. ET.
In the first meeting this season, right-handed reliever Nick Ficarrotta<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15094&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=Ruj8jBRoZx21fvJEmRaGkGTuhxZ_rwJBAqTP1kID6Uc&e= > earned the win by throwing 4 2/3 scoreless, one-hit innings. On the offensive end, outfielder Sterlin Thompson<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15108&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=HZx7Nkji_ZDTrry84FpZfPKvMB0MWdIgtooIXX78SHg&e= > went 3-for-5 with three RBI and finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Across the all-time series, Florida (22-14, 6-9 SEC) holds an 85-35 edge over Stetson (18-17, 5-10 ASUN) including a 47-11 advantage in Gainesville. The Gators won three of four against the Hatters in 2021 and boast wins in nine of the last 10 meetings with five-straight wins over the Hatters. Florida is 9-1 vs. Stetson under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_coaches.aspx-3Frc-3D1445&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=Qlv8HpXFFHtqAXRkgOigNHlV0caDnMY0Awxsl_jbsYc&e= > including 5-0 at home.
Pitching Matchup
Tuesday | 6 p.m. (SECN+)
Stetson LHP Jonathan Gonzalez (3-5, 5.24 ERA)
Florida RHP Karl Hartman (0-0, 9.26 ERA)
Links WATCH<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.espn.com_watch_player-3Fid-3D5522a585-2D9ff6-2D43b5-2D9db7-2D9485aa7fa350&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=xJ70oep90sr5GP6UxEwh__JdPCuYCUuBeBBIJnYROMU&e= > | LISTEN<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_watch_-3FLive-3D3837&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=fdruMFTTogU3af5E9VFjP3ob0WydCOz__rAGiJANwpM&e= >
LAST TIME OUT
Florida went 1-3 last week, dropping a Tuesday tilt at Florida State (L, 5-0) before losing two of three games at Vanderbilt (L, 5-4 / L, 8-6 / W, 4-2 [10]). In the finale, starting pitcher Brandon Neely<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15118&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=JFc-VcwBsz2ggqIn5wcjhsgjSlr6sqoc4cQePG4FXPs&e= > fired 6 1/3 frames of one-run ball and third baseman Deric Fabian<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15119&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=DKn8tXL15oDbePZkWxxNRQXcyZwC0IPdXLPd0RSAaqU&e= > provided the go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th inning.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS
In the Atlantic Sun Preseason Coaches Poll, Stetson was picked to finish third in the conference behind Liberty and Florida Gulf Coast. The Hatters enter the midweek matchup with an 18-17 record on the year, although they are just 5-10 in conference play. Stetson is batting .259 as a team and own a 4.30 staff ERA backed by a .967 fielding percentage.
MIDWEEK MAGIC + IN-STATE SUCCESS
The Gators are 8-1 in midweek games and 10-2 vs. in-state teams this season (three top-25 wins in-state).
HOT AT HOME
Florida is 41-10 across the program’s last 51 regular season games at Florida Ballpark. The Gators are 26-7 in their last 33 regular season home games.
BT BOMBS
In game two at Vanderbilt on April 16, catcher BT Riopelle<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15114&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=3u8XpcAAVs2j2DC-UKyrteMvUw9YbL7BFi39Y8xTisY&e= > homered in three-straight at bats in the second, fourth and seventh innings (first Gator to do so since JJ Schwarz vs. Stetson on April 7, 2015). As a result, he became the first Gator to notch a three-homer game since Wil Dalton accomplished the feat on March 2, 2018 vs. Stony Brook. Riopelle finished 3-for-4 with five RBI in the game after being intentionally walked in his final at bat of the night. Riopelle’s 12 home runs this season are tied for sixth in the nation among catchers.
HOME RUN TRIO
2021 All-American outfielder Jud Fabian<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15127&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=vTaKEeTsJDUiumo164bSv3ceAVnrEskelPl7u3xJHUQ&e= > is tied for the SEC lead with 15 home runs (T-fifth nationally) while outfielder Wyatt Langford<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15097&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=NSnSRaPEUSeOqPGhKi8-LyVHv9rH09vyWgDnxkpz5sA&e= > and Riopelle both have 12 homers apiece, ranking T-fourth in the SEC and T-30th nationally. Fabian, Langford and Riopelle are tied for the second-most home runs (39) of any trio in the nation (Old Dominion – 44, Georgia Tech – 39). Florida is one of 12 teams in the country with three players sporting double-digit homers.
HISTORIC HOME RUN PACE
Florida is tied for sixth in the nation with 68 home runs. The Gators are on track to hit 103 home runs in the regular season alone this year, which would mark the program’s third-highest total ever, as well as the most under O’Sullivan (2018 – 100) and Florida’s top total since 2002 (111). Catcher/designated hitter Mac Guscette<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15095&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=6Jk3hkFkPDgOYvXwNwOkySc4FIsK5ovLkr7nC2xVCF4&e= > hit the Gators’ 50th homer on March 31 at No. 23 Georgia in Florida’s 26th game of the season. In 2021, first baseman/designated hitter Kris Armstrong<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15090&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=UFbQd3mTx-EpCELrUeFzFeociUx9SLgren8z9vxIhWI&e= > hit the team’s 50th homer in the 41st game of the season on April 30, 2021 off of No. 2 Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker. The Gators also hit their 40th home run of the season in just their 20th game on March 20 at Alabama, whereas last year, Florida’s 40th home run occurred in the team’s 33rd game – on April 11 at Tennessee.
2-TO-4 HAPPY HOUR
The trio of J. Fabian (second), outfielder Sterlin Thompson<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15108&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=HZx7Nkji_ZDTrry84FpZfPKvMB0MWdIgtooIXX78SHg&e= > (third) and Langford (fourth) has recorded an RBI in 31 of 36 games this year while picking up hits in 35 of 36 games. Those three hitters have batted two-three-four in Florida’s lineup in 35 of 36 games this year — in the only other instance, they batted one-two-three.
FABIAN TIES ZUNINO ON HOME RUN LIST
After becoming the fifth player in program history to eclipse 20 HR in a season in 2021, J. Fabian is not only tied for the SEC lead with 15 home runs, but also ranks T-third in the conference with 33 walks (T-18th nationally) while drawing more free passes than strikeouts (32). Fabian recorded his seventh career multi-homer game on March 22 vs. Bethune-Cookman and hit his 47th career home run on April 17 at Vanderbilt, tying him with Mike Zunino for fifth on Florida’s all-time home run list.
MARCH ON, JUD
During the month of March, Fabian led the SEC in total bases (54), slugging (.857), walks (22) and home runs (10).
GOING STREAKING
Heading into the midweek, shortstop Josh Rivera<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15104&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=VytQQziUD3djEao5rHutaP2G_hyqIx96y3-pQ-i5c_A&e= > paces the team with an active 10-game reached-base streak.
MULTI-HIT + RBI GAMES
Five Gators boast double-digit multi-hit games, led by Langford, who has 13 (Colby Halter<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15096&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=cO6f_oLmQe0EdkfaSu6pLmjMvTP4mAgSh-c4B9QPYD4&e= > – 11, Thompson – 11, Riopelle – 10, Rivera – 10). J. Fabian is the lone Gator with double-digit multi-RBI games, pacing the squad with 13 on the season. Langford sports the next most with nine.
STATE OF THE DEFENSE
With 28 errors in 1,308 defensive chances, Florida ranks 18th nationally with a .979 fielding percentage.
SULLY WINS 600TH
With a 13-6 victory to clinch the series over Alabama on March 19, O’Sullivan won his 600th game as Florida head coach – on the same day Georgia head coach Scott Stricklin<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_staff.aspx-3Fstaff-3D487&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=ssQiRn7KioHauDSvKd6MEiblBizqEKUFWBWXWAp3Hng&e= > accomplished the feat. 2022 represents O’Sullivan’s 15th season as the head coach at Florida. During that time, O’Sullivan owns a 607-292 (.675) record, passing the legendary Dave Fuller (556-354-6) for the most wins in program history on March 9, 2021. O’Sullivan’s .675 winning percentage ranks third among all active Division I head coaches.
BALLPARK OF THE YEAR
Opened in 2021, the state-of-the-art Florida Ballpark was named Ballpark Digest’s 2021 College Ballpark of the Year in December. Newly equipped with permanent outfield concessions and restrooms, Florida Ballpark features a 360-degree open concourse, shade structures for fans and high definition video and sound.
DRAFT BUZZ
After being selected 40th overall in last year’s draft, Fabian is again projected as Florida’s top prospect by MLB Pipeline, coming in as the No. 45 overall prospect for the 2022 MLB Draft. Barco follows closely behind at No. 54, while Thompson (No. 90) and right-handed pitcher brandon Sproat (No. 98) fell just inside the top 100. The Gators’ middle infield duo of Halter and Rivera received draft buzz as well, with D1baseball ranking the former as the No. 60 college prospect and the latter sitting at No. 78. All six of the aforementioned players were ranked as top-30 prospects in the SEC by D1Baseball, in addition to right-hander Nick Pogue<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15102&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=CeNjt3XLKstikAkd_kloObQLHB2Av6cID8Krv2H9i8g&e= >, who was tabbed the conference’s No. 50 prospect.
Recently updated on March 14, Florida placed five players on Baseball America’s top-200 draft prospects list: Barco (No. 23), Fabian (No. 33), Thompson (No. 53), Sproat (No. 96), Halter (No. 198).
OPENING THE GATES
The gates of Florida Ballpark will open two hours and 15 minutes prior to first pitch for every home game.
TRAFFIC PATTERNS ON GAME DAY
Those visiting Florida Ballpark on game day should be aware of updated traffic patterns surrounding the ballpark. The 2022 season welcomes the addition of Ballpark Way, which will serve as a connecting route to the ballpark from Archer Road. For those departing the ballpark via Hull Road, fans will be directed to turn right onto Hull Road from the parking lot and travel eastbound towards SW 23rd Drive. See HERE<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__s3.amazonaws.com_sidearm.sites_gatorzone.com_documents_2022_2_18_Post-5FGame-5Ftraffic-5FPARKING-5FMAP.jpg&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=I–A7E3aintAdO-4IyRO4Sm1J7uitg6LOMWCalcsYZ8&e= > for a postgame traffic guide to utilize when departing the ballpark.
PARKING/SHUTTLES
General Parking is available in the west Florida Ballpark baseball lot and the Fifield parking lot located directly across Hull Road. Disabled parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Florida Ballpark west lot with a valid Disabled Placard. Click HERE<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__s3.amazonaws.com_sidearm.sites_gatorzone.com_documents_2022_3_8_FINAL-5FPArkingBaseball-5FRegion.jpg&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=JERrH90jE5IVy_Bwh8ziUEi3M0jO5KMv__aZ957I5sc&e= > for a Parking map.
Due to the likelihood of increased traffic for this weekend, parking may be limited around Florida Ballpark and other athletic venues located on the southwest side of campus. Fans are encouraged to park in the lot located at Fifield Hall.
There will be a free shuttle service provided to and from the Fifield parking lot each day of the weekend series.
MOBILE TICKETING & FLORIDA GATORS APP
As a reminder, mobile ticketing is required. There will be two ways to access your tickets:
1) through the Florida Gators app<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__s1445136311.t.en25.com_e_er-3Fs-3D1445136311-26lid-3D1301-26elqTrackId-3DF42DAD870CD1B888DE14DCC3F8C8916F-26elq-3Df69e4978773d47758819914b4936bd42-26elqaid-3D3046-26elqat-3D1&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=xSHooy8lVSxQ2VrqFTOqtR8wc3F4vL3S345P5Wqnurw&e= > from your mobile device or
2) through FloridaGators.com/myaccount<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__s1445136311.t.en25.com_e_er-3Fs-3D1445136311-26lid-3D1324-26elqTrackId-3DE19038CB8FD63F3F29DC57131044A028-26elq-3Df69e4978773d47758819914b4936bd42-26elqaid-3D3046-26elqat-3D1&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=kLDD1V5wXDxshpHnBASA_ZBrmOxxhp6n0-oKl34dOCdJ7WrePdOGyto5QZ-OC-Xx&s=7eHYcL6I9fpJoq2O46BhH4PT5kHI6IwFxg7V4UXudL4&e= >. Fans will also be able to transfer or donate their tickets easily within the app or online.
For a smoother and safer entry on game day, fans are encouraged to add their tickets to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay account in advance of coming to the ballpark.
ON DECK
The Gators welcome No. 1 Tennessee to Florida Ballpark for a three-game series spanning from Friday, April 22 to Sunday, April 24. All three games will stream on SEC Network+.
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