Gator Baseball Preview: Mid-Week Series vs Eastern Michigan

With the weekend sweep, the No. 1 Gators are off to a good start on the season as they go into the mid-week series hosting Eastern Michigan (3-1). Junior Dane Dunning will start for the Gators tonight competing against Eastern Michigan’s starting righty junior Kevin Shul. The Gators held a 5-1 advantage over the Eagles in its last match-up. The Eagles haven’t seen a win against Florida since its 1985 season with a close 7-6 victory.

The Gators aren’t the only ones off to a good start this season as the Eagles 3-1 record is its best since 1994. Top players include Brennan Williams who won player of the week for the Mid-American Conference West Division. Williams dominated in plate appearance’s getting the first two-run home runs of his career. Staying pretty consistent at the plate with seven hits on 14 plate appearances. Williams is also quick on his toes stealing two bases on two attempts.

On the mound senior Austin Wilson went four shutout innings striking out three against Omaha. Also junior Sam Delaplane went 6 innings striking out eight. Head Coach Mark Van Ameyde says its been a long journey getting the team to where it is now. He also says even though they will play the top ranked Gators tonight the approach is always the same.

The Eagles also have impressive freshmen efforts. Pitcher Tyler Butzin had his career debut going four shut-out innings as a reliever this past weekend. Butzin struck out five batters and only allowed two hits.

Florida Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan believes the Gators have a well rounded team going into the season with a secure, deep line up.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. Followed by a Wednesday night game at Joker Marchant stadium in Lakeland, FL. Here live coverage on ESPN Gainesville 95.3 starting at 6:55 p.m.