Peterson Deals, Surowiec Homers Twice in Gators Baseball Win

Gators ace Liam Peterson delivered a night of firsts Friday against Kennesaw State at Condron Family Ballpark.

Exactly one week after his Opening Day loss, Peterson recorded 12 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings to earn his first win of the season and drop the Owls to 3-1 in Florida’s 9-3 victory. His strikeout total fell one shy of a career high while allowing one hit on 93 pitches.

He exited to a standing ovation with one out in the sixth inning after walking the leadoff batter.

“Last weekend wasn’t great,” Peterson (1-0) said. “But the guys in the locker room had my back the whole time and they didn’t let me get down on myself.”

Florida showed its support with an error-free game behind Peterson’s strong outing. The defense converted routine plays and prevented extra bases, helping him keep his pitch count manageable.

The Gators scored nine or more runs for the fourth time this season. Ethan Surowiec’s first of two homers opened the Gators’ scoring for a 2-0 lead in the second inning, while Sam Miller’s solo shot put Kennesaw away in the eighth.

“I thought the bats were really good tonight,” Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “I want to say this about Kennesaw State, they’re good, they’re really good.” 

Surowiec’s two-homer game provided a boost in numbers and confidence. He’s batting .300, with two doubles and six RBIs in 20 at-bats. 

“It was awesome,” Surowiec said. “I prepared really hard and continue to prepare hard. It was exciting and I’m ready for more to happen.”

Florida hosts Kennesaw State for Game 2 on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Category: College Baseball, Feature Sports News, Gators Baseball