Caden McDonald’s message to the rest of No. 21 Florida in its 9-2 win over No. 7 Texas A&M was simple: why not me?
The designated hitter, who has spent most of his time out of the bullpen, delivered the best performance of his young career, going 3-for-4 with a center-field home run. It was both his first multi-hit game and his first collegiate homer.
For a redshirt sophomore who arrived at Florida (29-14, 11-8 SEC) as a two-way player, it is easy to see the appeal of keeping McDonald in the lineup. The Gators, for all their flaws, need consistent production at the plate. McDonald came to UF with 20 home runs at Sickles High School in Citrus Park, Florida, and showed a glimpse of that potential Friday night.
“Caden McDonald, what a great story that is,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “He continues to work hard. We tried to do some different things today, and obviously it worked out. I’m pleased with him. So he’ll be in the lineup again tomorrow.”
That does not mean it is time for over-the-top comparisons or nicknames. Even McDonald admitted he was surprised to see his name in the lineup when it was posted in the locker room earlier in the day.
“It was pretty surreal,” McDonald said with a smile. “I blacked out around second base. But just a lot of hard work put into that and leading up to that moment. It’s not going to be the last one. But just to be backed by my teammates like that, it was an unreal experience.”
Still, as Florida pushes toward the postseason, McDonald is making a case to stick at designated hitter. The Gators improved to 13-8 against Quad I opponents and 12-3 against ranked teams, the most top-25 wins in the nation, despite inconsistent production at DH this season.
Florida showed offensive life throughout the night against Texas A&M (31-8, 12-6 SEC). The Gators hit .351 as a team, their highest single-game average in nearly two weeks, and delivered multiple two-out RBIs. All but Ashton Wilson and Hayden Yost, who split time in the nine-hole, recorded a hit. With runners in scoring position, Florida improved to .313.
The Gators knocked out starter Shane Sdao after 3.2 innings, tagging him for three earned runs on eight hits. Texas A&M cycled through six pitchers, unable to slow Florida’s offense.
Friday’s result could also impact the Aggies’ plans for the rest of the weekend, as coach Michael Earley had left Sunday’s starter undecided. Saturday’s game, set for 5 p.m., will likely shape those decisions.
On the mound, Aidan King delivered another standout performance for Florida. The right-hander, a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year award, worked eight innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits. He threw 83 strikes on 121 pitches and earned a standing ovation as he exited.
“It’s a really good lineup, so for him to do what he did,” O’Sullivan said, pausing. “I can’t say too many great things about him. It was an awesome performance.”
Florida has now won the last four games King has started, three of which included outings of at least six innings.
The Gators were not flawless. Fielding remains a concern, as Brendan Lawson committed a throwing error on what should have been a routine play. He entered the game tied for third in the SEC with nine errors. Texas A&M, however, could not capitalize.
Despite some late-game chirping between the teams, Florida maintained control. Billy Barlow closed things out, while the offense added four more runs in the eighth to put the game away.
“I’m pleased about tonight, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” O’Sullivan said. “You look at the standings, they’re all bunched up. I don’t remember this much parity in our league. Happy about tonight, but tomorrow we’ve got to show some professionalism, put this one behind us and be ready to go.”
