The Florida baseball team will begin its hopeful journey to Omaha and the College World Series Friday night as they take on the College of Charleston in an NCAA Regional. Gainesville will play host to North Carolina and Long Beach State as well. The four teams will square off against each other in a weekend long double elimination series with the top squad advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Friday night will be a familiar scene at McKethan Stadium, as SEC Freshman of the Year Logan Shore will make his 15th start of the season for Florida. Shore has a 1.99 ERA this season in 90.2 innings of work. Backing Shore will be one of the nation’s best bullpens. The Florida relievers have accounted for 20 saves this season, a school record.
College of Charleston will do everything it can to take down the Gators, sending one of their best arms in Taylor Clarke to the hill. The 6 foot 4 right-hander has had an incredible season after coming off Tommy John surgery in 2013. Clarke has racked up 10 victories for the Cougars with an impressive 2.65 ERA this season.
The Florida offense has hit its stride late in this season, seeing major improvements in production from Peter Alonso, Josh Tobias, and Buddy Reed. Harrison Bader will also look to carry his hot bat into the NCAA Tournament after going an impressive 10-19 in the SEC Tournament.
With a win Friday night the Gators will take on the winner of North Carolina and Long Beach State. You can listen to the action at 6:55pm on Country 103-7 The Gator where Jeff Cardozo and Mick Hubert will have the call.
To hear comments from Gator coach Kevin O’Sullivan click below.