Florida Baseball Set for Midweek Matchup with Bethune-Cookman

The Florida Gators baseball team hosts in-state opponent Bethune-Cookman University Tuesday coming fresh off of a series win against the Auburn Tigers.

The Gators put on an impressive offensive showing Sunday scoring 17 runs, and they hope to stay hot at the plate against the Wildcats.

Close Series Victory

Florida baseball had its hands full this past weekend, falling behind in the series after losing the opening game on Friday. The team bounced back on Saturday, setting up a rubber-match against the Tigers on Sunday.

With the series tied 1-1, Auburn was in control entering the bottom of the fifth inning leading 8-3.

However, the Gator offense scored 14 unanswered runs to win their third SEC series of the year. Freshman catcher Luke Heyman led the way by finishing 3-for-4 which included a grand slam and a career-high eight RBI.

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Relief pitcher Ryan Slater also added support to the team by pitching four scoreless innings.

The Gat0rs now improve to 3-0 in SEC series play. Overall, the team is 24-5 and is currently in fourth in the SEC East standings. The team sits behind Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Bethune-Cookman Ready for Challenge

The Wildcats are looking to pull off a major upset against the No. 3 Gators.

They will look upon outfielder Hylan Hall to help in the hitting department against a Florida squad whose pitching staff gave up 23 runs over the weekend. Hall is hitting .397 and has 17 RBI.

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Additionally, Bethune-Cookman head coach Jonathan Hernandez joined Sport Scene Tuesday and acknowledged how Hall and others have helped this team.

What to Watch

Gators first baseman Jac Caglianone continues to be one of the most reliable hitters in the Gators lineup, hitting .408 on the year. He also leads the country in home runs hit with 18.

Shortstop Josh Rivera is also having a stellar year at the plate, so far. He’s hitting .407 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.

Hernandez announced the starting pitcher for the Wildcats in tonight’s matchup.

Yoel Tejada Jr. will start on the mound for the Gators and first pitch is set set for 6 p.m.