UF BSB: Gators Close out April Against Wildcats

Florida has won nine of the last 12 meetings against Kentucky including four of the previous five, while claiming four straight series victories.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida hosts Kentucky this weekend for the first time since 2019, when the Gators took two out of three over the Wildcats to obtain a series victory.

The first two games of the three-game series will stream on SEC Network+ on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Sunday’s finale airs on SEC Network at 12 p.m.

Florida (23-17, 6-12 SEC) and Kentucky (23-18, 6-12 SEC) met four times last season, with the Orange & Blue winning two of three in Lexington (L, 5-7 / W, 8-5 / W, 9-2) for a fourth-straight series win over Kentucky while also picking up an SEC Tournament win over the Wildcats on May 25 (W, 4-1). The Gators have won nine of the last 12 meetings vs. Kentucky including four of the previous five. Florida enters this weekend’s series with a three-game winning streak against Kentucky.

Across the all-time series, Florida owns a commanding 144-70-1 lead and is 77-29 against the Wildcats in Gainesville. 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=d2XU84wg7KAA-S2ZCd613qQ19l47Wh_lSATQDHlESuA&e= >, the Gators are 23-19 vs. Kentucky including 10-8 at home.

CONDRON FAMILY BALLPARK
On Friday, April 22, the University of Florida Board of Trustees approved the naming of Condron Family Ballpark as the home of Florida Gators baseball. The ballpark was renamed in honor of former Gators pitcher Gary Condron, who has donated more money to Gator Boosters than any other single donor. Condron himself assumed ceremonial first pitch honors prior to the April 22 matchup between Florida and Tennessee.

SERIES PROMOS
For Friday’s series opener, a BOGO on the Berm ticketing deal is available for all fans. Those who purchase one general admission berm ticket for $10 will get an additional ticket for free while supplies last.

Fans in attendance for Saturday’s game will be treated to a postgame fireworks display. On Sunday, retro Florida baseball shirts will be distributed to the first 750 fans in attendance, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union. A postgame autographs session will also take place for fans at the conclusion of Sunday’s matchup.

LAST TIME OUT
Florida posted a 1-3 record last week, picking up a midweek win over Stetson (W, 10-8) before dropping three games vs. No. 1 Tennessee (L, 2-8 / L, 0-3 / L. 4-6 [11]).

SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Picked to finish sixth in the SEC East Division in the Preseason Coaches Poll, Kentucky enters the weekend with a 23-18 record that features a 6-12 mark in conference play. The Wildcats took one of three at home against Vanderbilt last weekend, marking their fourth-straight SEC series defeat after dropping sets to Missouri, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Kentucky is 5-9 on the road this year. The Wildcats are batting .284 as a team and sport a 5.16 staff ERA backed by a .973 fielding percentage.

REKINDLING UK MAGIC
In game two at Kentucky last season on May 7, 2021, Florida trailed 4-3 entering the eighth inning before Kendrick Calilao<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15092&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=HotL75PqZiAYYOtM5papFBYX0ad9BmZVBpKvr5WmQsA&e= > provided a pinch-hit, game-tying RBI single to right field on a full count. After Kentucky regained a 5-4 lead, Florida was down to its last strike in the ninth – but Cory Acton<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D14209&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=KGz0mhgtB1cJfJ6l7TBzxJRmHMPi6ofA2P3RNUag2FE&e= > singled to center to score Jacob Young<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D14236&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=tc4_uQqB6t7ShKlcsXngN8ws7L5dY_kM6E85cZdK_zQ&e= > and tie the game, while Calilao provided a three-run, game-winning home run to cement an 8-5 victory. In the rubber match, left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15091&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=rTSgXoZA2PseKXDlUs1nx7TqPLpe5zjmxYxBGvTixAY&e= > pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings on two hits and one walk while striking out a then-career-high 10 batters to earn the victory.

NEELY FLIRTS WITH NO-NO
In his third-career start on April 24 vs. No. 1 Tennessee, freshman right-hander 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=52zKX-Ub0UooRU-_db4TZHRbAse4Fr7Eu6bEjlrUg4s&e= > took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, retiring 19 Vols before surrendering a hit. Neely finished with a career-high seven innings pitched and eight strikeouts while allowing just one earned run on one hit and two walks. Since breaking into the Florida rotation on April 9, Neely has started against No. 2 Arkansas, Vanderbilt and No. 1 Tennessee, and paces the Gators with a 3.18 ERA, .150 batting average against and 19 strikeouts across 17 innings in that span. Over his last two starts, Neely owns a 1.35 ERA, 0.91 BAA, 10.1 strikeouts per nine and 2.0 walks per nine in 13 1/3 frames.

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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=EniBWmqf1FARPL9uzacT7VH5G0MabHrLNIR2j740_4o&e= > is tied for the SEC lead with 16 home runs (T-10th 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=noaBnA67AVvUs8gB-FxvQYPhmhQdSBQjBUHfHJiUf2Q&e= > owns 13 homers (T-fifth SEC, T-34th nation) and 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=ElLzBTYA7U1_9ocGqJs4rm56FSJCZDejNEr1i-C1700&e= > has 12 long balls (T-eighth SEC, T-53rd nation). Fabian, Langford and Riopelle boast the fourth-most home runs (41) of any trio in the nation behind only Old Dominion, Texas and Georgia Tech. Florida is one of 15 teams in the country with three players sporting double-digit homers and one of six teams with three 12-plus homer players.

JUD PASSES ZUNINO
On April 19 vs. Stetson, J. Fabian launched his SEC-leading 16th home of the season with a two-run shot in the eighth. That big fly represented the 48th home run of his career, as Fabian passed Mike Zunino for fifth on Florida’s all-time home run list. Next on the list is JJ Schwarz, who sits in fourth at 50 homers.

FABIAN’S APPROACH
Batting .275/.447/.669, J. Fabian is among the SEC leaders in slugging percentage (fourth) and on-base percentage (13th). He also ranks 10th with 95 total bases and third with 40 walks – which matches his 60-game walk total from 2021. He is Florida’s only player with more free passes than strikeouts (36). With 36 strikeouts in 40 games, Fabian is on pace to strike out 54 times in a pro-rated 60 games, which would mark 25 fewer strikeouts (31.6% decrease) from last year’s total of 79 in Florida’s 60-game campaign. Fabian’s 2021 strikeout rate was 29.4%. Entering Friday, his 2022 strikeout rate is 19.0% – a 10.4% decrease.

MARCH ON, JUD
During the month of March, J. Fabian led the SEC in total bases (54), slugging (.857), walks (22) and home runs (10).

HISTORIC HOME RUN PACE
Florida ranks 10th in the country with 73 home runs. The Gators hit their 71st home run in the 37th game of the season this year, matching the team’s total from all of last season’s 60-game schedule. Florida is on pace to hit 100 home runs in the regular season alone, which would tie for the program’s third-highest total ever, as well as the most under O’Sullivan (2018 – 100).

QUALITY SPROAT
Over his last four starts, right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15106&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=9Czo0OS855XKYRWoH079A12UYq1hYorSy3BbOSDM1KA&e= > has gone 5 2/3-plus innings with three earned runs or fewer on three occasions. So far this season, he has fired quality starts at No. 21 Miami, vs. Seton Hall, at No. 23 Georgia and vs. No. 1 Tennessee. After holding Georgia to three earned runs over six innings on April 1 and firing 5 2/3 frames of one-run ball vs. No. 2 Arkansas on April 8, Sproat threw six innings with three runs allowed on five hits, four walks and four strikeouts last time out vs. No. 1 Tennessee. He receives his first-ever Friday start this weekend.

URSITTI SHINES
Freshman right-hander Anthony Ursitti<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15125&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=A7Bm8U8u2MenruTcqJt0SzcBAPilvRZ-jBSBPlTdyzA&e= > has fired six-straight scoreless appearances spanning eight innings, allowing five hits while walking three and striking out 11 over that span. In his last outing against No. 1 Tennessee, he threw a career-high 3 2/3 shutout innings while surrendering just one hit and striking out three.

LANGFORD HITS APLENTY
With a team-high 14 multi-hit games, Langford has five multi-hit efforts in Florida’s last 10 games and six across the last 12. With a .333/.401/.641 slash line, he is tied for the team lead in batting average and paces the Gators in hits (51), RBI (42) and total bases (98).

GOING STREAKING
Entering the weekend, 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=3l48cLL-ZjQHI_jiaKUWlJN-QHZB8KIscKPKnGjJfBE&e= > paces the team with an active 14-game on-base streak. Thompson is riding a 10-game on-base streak that includes a current team-high six-game hitting streak.

2-TO-4 HAPPY HOUR
The trio of J. Fabian (second), Thompson (third) and Langford (fourth) has recorded an RBI in 33 of 40 games this year while picking up hits in 39 of 40 games. Those three hitters have batted two-three-four in Florida’s lineup in 39 of 40 games this year – in the only other instance, they batted one-two-three.

STATE OF THE DEFENSE
With 32 errors in 1,463 defensive chances, Florida ranks 22nd nationally with a .978 fielding percentage.

HOT AT HOME
Florida is 42-13 across its last 55 regular season games at Condron Family Ballpark, including 27-10 in their last 37. In the inaugural 2021 season of Condron Family Ballpark, the Gators delivered a dominant 28-9 record at home. Florida closed out the regular season with eight-straight home series victories, going 27-4 at home in the team’s final 31 regular-season contests and losing just one game in the final 13 matchups in that span.

BT BOMBS
In game two at Vanderbilt on April 16, Riopelle 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.

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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=eUo8pt3jDQSqralC0edbqTBjQ666k8JebkEeH_KU_38&e= > accomplished the feat. 2022 represents O’Sullivan’s 15th season at Florida, during which he owns a 608-295 (.673) record, passing the legendary Dave Fuller (556-354-6) for the most wins in program history on March 9, 2021. O’Sullivan’s .673 winning percentage ranks fourth among all active Division I head coaches.

DRAFT BUZZ
After being selected 40th overall in last year’s draft, J. 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 Sproat (No. 98) fell just inside the top 100. The Gators’ middle infield duo of 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=G9JcxtnotrjBgn6g28Cm7YqCmNEhBDw2bvnuHYMXwe4&e= > 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=npAMSubVPL-n4T04asNEPghHjjdh7rgaOchKeuwf-x8&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) and Halter (No. 198).

BALLPARK OF THE YEAR
Opened in 2021, the state-of-the-art Condron Family Ballpark was named Ballpark Digest’s 2021 College Ballpark of the Year in December. Newly equipped with permanent outfield concessions and restrooms, Condron Family Ballpark features a 360-degree open concourse, shade structures for fans and high definition video and sound.

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 Condron Family 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=7jCV1O4lDy-1QRMTG0pMUBQAeXO5nyBrZWjqQ_cBMAE&e= > for a postgame traffic guide to utilize when departing the ballpark.

PARKING/SHUTTLES
General Parking is available in the west Condron Family 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 Condron Family 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=huCxNHFsw6SZV9sIK9M6O7f_qtAcwvp7_JvwaYgDoPs&e= > for a Parking map.

Due to the likelihood of increased traffic for this weekend, parking may be limited around Condron Family 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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=NUQCOu9ufKLKPSqADUcJS6ja21zvFn2y8d0gniSrUNE&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=i2kCSAewJgp56LxJzk6pLYx-XM8LwgU3ZWGdDXX5m9NkOdEhNLdIywD6BtVXBMrf&s=ogUGjFoKd9mJLXF9orfN6hNxTg25FfaIoadaB4TN37U&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.

###