No. 8 Florida Matches Up With Bethune-Cookman in Midweek Tilt
Florida is 13-1 vs. the Wildcats under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan while the Gators boast a 21-4 record across their last 25 regular season home games.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 8 Florida hosts Bethune-Cookman of the Southwestern Athletic Conference on Tuesday prior to welcoming No. 21 LSU to town for a three-game weekend series.
Tuesday’s midweek matchup is set for 6 p.m. ET and will stream live on SEC Network+.
With the series dating back to 1989, Florida (15-5, 2-1 SEC) is 33-1 all-time vs. the Wildcats (8-11, 3-0 SWAC) including a 13-1 mark 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=RFV4a24c1D8tEF3F6bqWZIzEJV3zJkZDzJ10IvoF2Wk&e= >. The two programs last met in 2018, with the Gators claiming a 7-4 victory.
Pitching Matchup
Tuesday | 6 p.m. (SECN+)
Bethune-Cookman LHP Alec Mendez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Florida RHP 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=n2oxKL4iIWFM-i6jurYmWntD1k9Ylw5V_sZP6KzqYU8&e= > (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
Links WATCH<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.espn.com_watch_player-3Fid-3Dbfcf282b-2Ddbfb-2D4388-2Db58c-2Defe8de65c603&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=TbHM5q65t4L1etSM8VdpYYBJxLtviCZDEhBeLDrFV4w&e= > | LISTEN<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_watch_-3FLive-3D3796-26type-3DLive&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=BqO_GzIrQ9p16ZBF1vYrhAXNXP9w2BKBtecrKsxlQUU&e= >
Entering week six of the season, Florida is ranked inside the top-14 of every major poll, peaking at No. 7 on the USA Today Coaches and NCBWA polls while coming in at No. 8 on the D1Baseball Top 25.
LAST TIME OUT
Florida posted a 2-1 record last week, taking the first-two games at Alabama in the opening SEC series of the season before dropping the finale. By blasting 10 home runs, Florida swatted its most long balls in a series in the last 20 seasons – since hitting 10 at Kentucky in 2002 (May 18-19).
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
Bethune-Cookman enters Tuesday riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping Jackson State this past weekend. Overall, the Wildcats possess an 8-11 record including a 1-4 mark on the road. In the SWAC preseason poll, Bethune-Cookman was picked to finish fourth out of six teams in the Eastern Division.
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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=K3wxjKRjbeyiUaecfNzhSlaUECtdF967SusB4MjzN-E&e= > accomplished the feat. 2022 represents O’Sullivan’s 15th season as the head coach at Florida. During that time, O’Sullivan owns a 600-283 (.680) record, passing the legendary Dave Fuller (556-354-6) for the most wins in program history on March 9, 2021. O’Sullivan’s .680 winning percentage ranks third among all active Division I head coaches, while Florida’s .622 clip in SEC play since 2008 stands as the top mark in the conference.
GATORS GOING YARD
Florida is tied for third in the nation with 41 home runs. The Gators hit their 40th home run of the season in just their 20th game on March 20 at Alabama in 2022, whereas last year, Florida’s 40th home run occurred in the team’s 33rd game – on April 11 at Tennessee. Outfielders 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=kJ34WR9J0M9DR9Yr_sAhp0PhNoQ97xUBAVtlJsH4Vf4&e= > and 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=vKgdrE81sBTIa9EyqINwCKdUyTQNhHT3drKKj-ZMew0&e= > are tied for 16th nationally with eight home runs this season. Meanwhile, the Florida pitching staff has allowed just 10 homers.
TELL ME WYATT
Also over UF’s last 10 games, Langford is hitting .487/.574/1.000 with five home runs, nine extra-base hits, 16 RBI, 13 runs and three steals. On the season, Langford leads the Gators in all three slash categories with a .400/.483/.787 batting line, as well as hits (30), total bases (59) runs (22) and steals (four). The Trenton, Fla. native is tied with Fabian for the team high in home runs (eight) and RBI (23).
HOT AT HOME
Florida is 36-7 across its last 43 regular season games at Florida Ballpark, including 21-4 in their last 25. In the inaugural season of Florida 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.
HITS PARADE
Florida was hitting .186 as a team after opening weekend vs. Liberty, but the Gators now own a .309 average – the 29th-best mark in the country. Florida has outscored opponents by a 161-69 margin on the season (+92). Last weekend, the Gators slashed .345/.395/.647 against Alabama.
ALL-NATIONAL DEFENSE
With just 13 errors in 740 defensive chances, Florida ranks 10th nationally with a .982 fielding percentage.
POGUE LIFE
On Tuesday, March 8, right-handed pitcher Tyler Nesbitt<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15101&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=tslFEUfM8ru63U4o1qBalCVrLS7gBYg9B3V6sTjpSgA&e= > made his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery, and the following Sunday it was right-hander Nick Pogue’s<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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=n2oxKL4iIWFM-i6jurYmWntD1k9Ylw5V_sZP6KzqYU8&e= > turn. Prior to that, Nesbitt and Pogue last took the mound on March 10, 2020 – spans that stretched 728 and 733 days, respectively. Pogue receives his second midweek start of the season tonight vs. Bethune-Cookman.
EASY AS BLAKE
Making his first-11 career appearances, right-handed pitcher Blake Purnell<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15103&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=kk4qM5Zbr4F5NZKcLXDRnYNDBzpmCn-Q90JjkPoruoQ&e= > did not allow an earned run across 19 1/3 innings to open the season. Purnell currently ranks 19th in the nation with a 0.92 ERA and also sports a 0.81 WHIP, 19 strikeouts and one walk on the year.
HERE COMES THE JUD
2021 Third Team All-American Fabian is hitting .358/.521/.868 with eight home runs and 21 RBI over Florida’s last 15 games. Fabian recorded his sixth-career multi-homer game on March 2 vs. Florida A&M and now sits at 40 career homers, which is tied for sixth all-time at Florida. During that period, Fabian has drawn 17 walks and struck out only 11 times. Fabian is tied for eighth in the country with 21 walks. The Ocala, Fla. native’s next home run milestone will come at 47 career homers, where Gator great Mike Zunino awaits in fifth position.
HOME SCORELESS STREAK
From Feb. 27 to March 12, the Florida pitching staff went 31 2/3 innings without allowing a run at Florida Ballpark. The Gators blanked Georgia State in the final seven innings of game three on Feb. 27, then pitched back-to-back shutouts vs. Florida A&M (17-0) on March 2 and Jacksonville (W, 1-0) on March 8, before finally surrendering a run at home in the seventh inning vs. Seton Hall on March 12.
FRESHMAN FLIES
From Feb. 26 to March 2, a Florida freshman hit his first-career homer in four-straight games: Corey Robinson<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15110&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=y8CVoo9fZMA4eIYzgValpejdjW3hFdOJesqhnwqD-yY&e= > (March 2), 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=DTl5eQmRFln-HY8zSnUJ6OYogjStI2tbp8ukPHnfH5E&e= > (March 1), Ty Evans<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15111&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=0K_45h31XPt1jACyCDU8ufegCLj0uUDoDUuxwOXM3-g&e= > (Feb. 27) and Rene Lastres<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15115&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=5iQooev-NlwSDTDmYExlLvZe2Tb-RA4vn4rhTWS0ba0&e= > (Feb. 26).
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. Left-hander 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=PENBuyhKshwjhXJeHOdlkoChqdLqJdZhYOPS8iuplac&e= > follows closely behind at No. 54, while 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=oA3gLP6hftDGufnoJB8Gnv4o2lNA63KUCxPCTqQfdmA&e= > (No. 90) and right-hander 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=8Sjz_2qWyLKa1hSiDuDw24-CVDC5V8Fi9X6ofmU7teU&e= > (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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=fnGke-Gq1Ef9VomdvKyco55VTMqKPJK_8ly4IzswJ3Y&e= > and 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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=l-Uyr3UPnWp-lzTXYloHse0SXhbO4C80AmltAzaKscQ&e= > 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 Pogue, who was tabbed the conference’s No. 50 prospect.
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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=1kgyDSXKVNXY0JB1g161IRJ67_m7yQbthT3rq_um8lU&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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=Q7sg4kjMmS8udj9pEYlbM1QKOqgPvsyUACcyu6klpDw&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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=1_LiR_z6HB0g9wSfkOOb1iAoGyByraU06JlhC0CvZMI&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=f8j3JDBxxHseJs0-cejwNpZ3yX2pnYL9Uu7JiOf7NQ_9FecA7nrlYl6qcuFzE1Pt&s=sliwcAWCFuJnvF0MKOjZN4G1Gj0L0U3VZPmErbKDMlY&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 host No. 21 LSU this upcoming weekend in a three-game top-25 series at Florida Ballpark.
