Florida has won 24 of its last 28 games against South Florida and is 17-4 across the last 21 home matchups in the series.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida hosts in-state rival South Florida of the American Athletic Conference on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+ in the lone meeting between the two teams during the 2022 campaign.
This is the first time these two programs have faced off since the 2021 NCAA Gainesville Regional, when the Bulls (23-20, 4-11 AAC) defeated the Gators (25-18, 8-13 SEC), 5-3, and went on to win Regionals with a victory over South Alabama. Despite that win, Florida owns a commanding 62-27 lead in the all-time series, featuring a 42-11 mark in Gainesville.
The Orange & Blue have been equally successful 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=jlVJ4Xv7GQH0lMsDRD77eOlBC0ro71FXxYgAlSuHSIc&e= > with a 22-4 record and 19-3 edge in the series at home. Florida is 12-3 across the last 15 meetings and have won 11 of the last 13 meetings in Gainesville.
LAST TIME OUT
Florida is coming off a series win over Kentucky, in which the team went 2-1 with wins in the first two games (9-2, 9-1). 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=nnl-xXqwCrurYFL4FgIAk2LCVj4Y8VcKlz-K0wfC4K4&e= > pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win in the opener while 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=YiL8jp8pPtjocsbCW16n3GJ9C-uXWvUiBYHPzHP2jBA&e= > and 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=A3F09aH5Ehnzd8tOhyx1OYw1pBYuO7CmrfsFmlXzgyE&e= > homered. In game two, right-handed 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=UIk02dhB0g2MvYkgUeAi7CFNYhDOVyL4zaBHVXZHYlQ&e= > tossed four no-hit innings to earn his first win as a starter.
SCOUTING THE BULLS
After winning the 2021 American Athletic Conference Tournament and making a trip to NCAA Super Regionals, South Florida was picked to finish sixth out of eight teams in 2022 AAC Preseason Poll. The Bulls have struggled against AAC competition this year as well as on the road, as their 23-20 record includes a 4-11 mark in conference play and 6-7 tally away from home. South Florida is batting .270 as a team this season with a 5.60 staff ERA that is backed by a .960 fielding percentage.
MIDWEEK MAGIC
The Gators are 9-1 in midweek contests this season, sporting wins over Stetson (twice), Jacksonville and then-No. 5 Florida State. Florida is slashing .331/.394/.567 in those 10 midweek games with 72 runs scored on 20 home runs, one triple and 21 doubles. The Gator pitching staff owns a 2.22 ERA, .180 BAA and 93 strikeouts in 89.0 midweek innings.
FLORIDA’S TEAM
The Gators have played 13 games against Florida-based teams in 2022 and sport an 11-2 record against in-state competition, including a 6-0 mark at home. Three of the Gators’ 11 in-state wins were against top-25 teams with two wins over then-No. 22 Miami (now No. 6) and one win over then-No. 5 Florida State (now No. 23). Against in-state teams, UF is batting .309/.391/.522 with 93 runs scored on 23 home runs, one triple and 25 doubles. On the pitching end, the Gators have produced a 2.27 ERA, .188 BAA and 126 strikeouts in 115.0 frames.
HOT AT HOME
Florida is 43-14 (.754) across the program’s last 57 regular season games at home including 28-11 in their last 39 contests at Condron Family Ballpark.
BIG GAME FISHING
In his first two collegiate outings spread across each of the last two SEC series (vs. No. 1 Tennessee, vs. Kentucky), RHP Fisher Jameson<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15120&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=GoAAnyaafFsQENRrr8LA1Vur_LUpjp5jXKT9DduuOTs&e= > retired each of the first 14 batters he faced in order to begin his career with 4 2/3 perfect innings. In fact, Jameson recorded 15 outs across the first 14 batters faced of his UF tenure. On May 1 vs. Kentucky, Jameson pitched 4.0 innings with one earned run allowed on two hits with five strikeouts.
JAC JACKS
Freshman designated hitter Jac Caglianone<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__floridagators.com_roster.aspx-3Frp-5Fid-3D15113&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=DDG_vGdGOmvMSjzqCJfqQd2IVMNYX3EyifVXxoRK1Pk&e= > has made an impact immediately in his first five collegiate games, batting .429/.471/.929 with two home runs, one double, five runs and three RBI through 14 at bats. Caglianone has started each of the last four games at DH for Florida and homered in two of those contests. Across Florida’s three-game series vs. Kentucky, Caglianone paced the team with a .455/.500/.818 batting line, translating to a 1.318 OPS.
GOING STREAKING
Entering the midweek tilt against the Bulls, SS 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=lISycqauy1s5cEH56HxYJ1zZBen09FzxhrR2LPcD6Yo&e= > has reached base in 17-consecutive games. During that 17-game stretch, Rivera is slashing .293/.388/.483 with three home runs and nine walks against just seven strikeouts. OF 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=A3F09aH5Ehnzd8tOhyx1OYw1pBYuO7CmrfsFmlXzgyE&e= > is riding a 13-game on-base streak himself and leads the Gators in hitting over that stretch with a .333 average. OF 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ZRJPQP0Hq7xWUDFLmnB0hpGKegOTLjlhwfrDMz9-TEU&e= > is in the midst of a 10-game on-base streak, walking 15 times against just 10 strikeouts over those games.
HISTORIC HOME RUN PACE
Florida ranks 11th in the country with 77 HR. 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. UF is on pace to hit 98 home runs in the regular season alone, which would mark the program’s fourth-highest total ever, as well as the second-most under O’Sullivan (2018 – 100).
STATE OF THE DEFENSE
Florida ranks 14th in the nation with a .980 fielding percentage, having committed 32 errors in 1,568 defensive chances. Starting outfielders 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ZRJPQP0Hq7xWUDFLmnB0hpGKegOTLjlhwfrDMz9-TEU&e= > and 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=YiL8jp8pPtjocsbCW16n3GJ9C-uXWvUiBYHPzHP2jBA&e= > own perfect 1.000 fielding percentages on the season, combining for 168 putouts and one outfield assist.
JOSH SHOWS JUICE
Over Florida’s last 15 games, SS 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=lISycqauy1s5cEH56HxYJ1zZBen09FzxhrR2LPcD6Yo&e= > owns a .314/.407/.529 with 27 total bases, three home runs, two doubles, 11 runs scored and eight walks vs. five strikeouts. Defensively, he has just one error across 61 defensive chances during that period, good for a .984 fielding percentage.
THE FABIAN FILE
Batting .267/.446/.647, OF 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ZRJPQP0Hq7xWUDFLmnB0hpGKegOTLjlhwfrDMz9-TEU&e= > ranks T-third in the SEC with 16 home runs (T-16th nationally), T-fifth with 45 runs scored, ninth in slugging percentage and T-second (T-fourth nationally) with 45 walks – which surpassess his 60-game walk total of 40 from 2021. He is Florida’s only player with more free passes than strikeouts (38), having walked seven more times this year than he has struck out. With 38 strikeouts in 43 games, Fabian is on pace to strike out 53 times in a pro-rated 60 games, which would mark a 26-strikeout decrease (32.9% decrease) from last year’s total of 79 in UF’s 60-game campaign. Fabian’s 2021 strikeout rate was 29.4%. Entering Friday, his 2022 K-rate is 18.7 %, marking a 10.7% decrease.
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.
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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=5fcT8zWUTM-EAO1YxgPuvJI7jxpYsaqYnEHy7cAgf1Q&e= > accomplished the feat. 2022 represents O’Sullivan’s 15th season as the head coach at Florida. During that time, O’Sullivan owns a 610-296 (.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.
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.
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 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=nnl-xXqwCrurYFL4FgIAk2LCVj4Y8VcKlz-K0wfC4K4&e= > (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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ovGb4EadPn463e2v2l2BtJEGx1BpfS_5L1LjPetP-Fw&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 Condron Family 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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ur4Iwpe5DghCtahWK7eRd2b0jNNjq5gxOzQQ-_ggrYs&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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=PeAC5r1ozc26jOrAF_gvJb_sDQ801GG_N-hyx1hjmkY&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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=3A_jB3r84HBmY78FSZK3tYo1Q2xHqcq293xgrhgqg5k&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=EQtXT3KZ2Avq6T8q-9fa12CkvyQ9UVKJiruSKpHeU2SGAcKWhVsMRALDW-nSdgbK&s=ISeNBoe_PR4J2tz4eDYebCpJXFtDymKSEHJ_gMPwnNI&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 travel to Starkville for a three-game series at Mississippi State spanning from Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8. Game one and two will air on SEC Network and ESPNU, respectively, while the series finale will stream on SEC Network+.
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