Florida baseball wastes solid pitching performance in series loss to Vols
Florida baseball’s pitching staff was brilliant versus the explosive Tennessee Volunteers‘ offense after surrendering eight runs in the series-opening loss. Starter Brandon Sproat went six innings, allowing five hits, four walks and three earned runs. His bullpen also shut down the Vols who average almost 10 runs a game.
However, the Gators’ batting lineup provided literally zero run support. They only produced two hits and two walks in a 3-0 shutout loss versus Tennessee on Saturday at the newly named Condron Ballpark.
Sproat was nearly flawless through the first four innings of his outing. He only gave up a double and two walks. In the fifth frame, he left a pitch too far over home plate that Tennessee’s first baseman Luc Lipcius capitalized on when he crushed it over the right-field wall. Then the Volunteers right fielder Jordan Beck singled off Sproat after recording the first out. Sproat then made another mistake to center fielder Drew Gilbert that he blasted over the right-field fence.
Despite Sproat’s solid outing, he was no match for Tennessee starter Blade Tidwell. He lasted 4 2/3 innings, giving up two hits, a walk and no runs in his stint while striking out five Florida batters. The Gators didn’t fare much better versus reliever Camden Sewell, either. He went the rest of the game without allowing a hit and only surrendered a single walk to keep the 3-0 shutout intact.
Right fielder Sterlin Thompson and left fielder Wyatt Langford were the only hitters for coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s team to earn a base knock.
The Gators and Volunteers return to Condron Ballpark for the series finale at noon where Florida will try to avoid the series sweep for the second time this season.
Related
Tennessee blasts past Florida baseball in series opener
List
Series Preview: Florida looking to pull off massive upset versus No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
