The Pace, Fla. native threw UF’s first complete-game shutout since 2019.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On the heels of throwing a complete-game one-hitter against No. 24 Alabama in the SEC opener, Gators right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> has been named the SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week as well as a Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week.
Monday’s announcement marks the second-career weekly SEC accolade for Sproat, who was named Co-Pitcher of the Week alongside Vanderbilt’s Hunter Owen. The Pace, Fla. native previously earned the same honor on March 7 of last season after firing 6 1/3 scoreless frames against No. 22 Miami. Meanwhile, Sproat is the third Gator to be named a National Player of the Week, following Hurston Waldrep and <https://floridagators.com/news/2023/2/28/baseball-gators-duo-earn-national-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx> Jac Caglianone<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/jac-caglianone/15489>.
This time around, Sproat’s performance on the mound was even more dominant. Making the start in Florida’s 2023 SEC opener against No. 24 Alabama, Sproat fired nine shutout innings to earn the victory while allowing just one hit and two walks. The right-hander struck out a career-high 11 batters in his first-ever complete game, with his lone hit allowed being a second-inning single.
Needing 106 pitches to produce one of the greatest pitching performances in program history, Sproat retired the final 10 batters of the game in order. His stellar outing helped power Florida to a 3-0 Thursday night win and an eventual series victory over the Crimson Tide.
Over his last two starts against SEC opponents, Sproat has allowed one run and five hits across 17 1/3 frames while striking out 18 batters.
Dating back to April 29, 2022, when he took over the Friday-night role vs. Kentucky, Sproat has made 11 starts and is 9-0 with a 2.08 ERA, 76 strikeouts and 25 walks across 69 1/3 innings – and Florida is 11-0. He has not lost a decision since April 23, 2022 vs. Tennessee.
Sproat carries a 4-0 record, 2.73 ERA and 43 strikeouts across 29 2/3 innings into his next start at No. 13 Ole Miss on Friday, March 24.
Below is a complete list of Gators to win weekly SEC awards this season
FLORIDA WEEKLY SEC AWARDS
Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> – SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week (March 20)
Wyatt Langford<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/wyatt-langford/15497> – SEC Co-Player of the Week (March 6)
Jac Caglianone<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/jac-caglianone/15489> – SEC Co-Player of the Week (Feb. 27)
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