Final: Gators 18, USF 3
South Florida grabbed an early 1-0 lead and it looked as if the Gators would struggle to take down an in-state opponent in midweek action. However, fueled by the motivation of losing to the Bulls in regionals a year ago, the Florida offense powered the Gators to a rout of USF Tuesday.
The Gators struck early and often as they put crooked numbers on the scoreboard in each of the first four innings.
Jud Fabian started thing offensively as he smacked a two run homer in the first to put Florida ahead 2-0. Following an uneventful USF half of the second, the Gators threw up six in the home half. Mac Guscette, Fabian (grand slam), and BT Riopelle all connected for homers in the frame as the Gators started to put this one away early.
The Bulls got one back in the top of the third but the Gators struck for two more in the bottom of the frame. An RBI double from Wyatt Langford and a sacrifice fly by Sterlin Thompson put Florida on top 10-2.
After another scoreless inning from the USF offense the Gators continued to pour it on, putting another six spot on the scoreboard. Fabian connected for his third homer, a shot that landed beyound the Bulls’ bullpen in left. Through four innings, Fabian had cranked out three homers and a career high 8 RBI.
Florida added runs in the sixth (sacrifice fly by Langford) and eighth (Ty Evans’ solo homer).
On the mound, head coach Kevin O’Sullivan said they got what they expected from starter Nick Pogue before turning it over to Tyler Nesbitt. Nesbitt pitched two innings before giving way to Karl Hartman and Anthony Ursitti to close things out.
On Deck:
Florida will travel to Mississippi State to face the Bulldogs in a crucial series this weekend. MSU is 25-20 and 9-12 in conference play. Friday’s first pitch is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.