Coming off a tough series win on the road against No. 5 Alabama, No. 3 Florida and coach Tim Walton have a lot to smile about.
Walton’s pitchers seemed to get back on track as they allowed just six runs through the three games in Tuscaloosa after surrendering 27 to LSU the weekend before.
But Walton knows one aspect of his team needs to improve as Southeastern Conference play continues — the offense.
"Right now we’re in a little bit of a lull offensively," he said. "I think we’re swinging the bat just OK."
Florida batters scored a total of six runs and compiled a measly .216 batting average against Crimson Tide pitching.
Walton, who coaches third base when the Gators are hitting, sees it all firsthand. Standing about 60 feet away, he motivates each hitter with a few simple claps and a head nod.
He knows hitting is all about your mindset.
"I want our hitters to go up there with confidence and not to fear failure," he said, "not to fear getting out and be resilient. Be able to bounce back after one strike to another, from one at-bat to another, from one game to another."
If the Gators want to make another run at a national championship, they know they’re going to have to hit.
Florida’s offense currently ranks among the middle of the pack in most statistical categories in the SEC.
The team’s .304 batting average ranks ninth out of the 13 teams in the SEC.
None of UF’s regular starters is hitting over .400. Junior Kelsey Stewart, who went 4-for-10 over the weekend, is closest to that mark with a .398 average.
To put that in perspective, six other SEC teams have at least one hitter slashing above .400. Two lineups – No. 8 Auburn and No. 7 Georgia – both feature four hitters above .400.
But Walton realizes he doesn’t have an offense-heavy team, and he prefers a squad with lights-out pitching and a stout defense behind his pitchers.
"I’m starting the team that plays the best defense and pitches the best," Walton said. "With that being said, it doesn’t surprise me because I am starting a pitching and defensive team first."
The Gators’ pitching has carried them all season. Their 1.42 ERA is second best in the SEC, and their 268 strikeouts leads the conference.
But as the season progresses, Walton is looking to some of his more established hitters to step it up offensively and do a better job of being tougher outs to opposing pitchers.
"The Kirsti Merritts, the Lauren Haegers, the Bailey Castros, the Taylore Fullers, the Taylor Schwarzes, the Katie Medinas, the Aubree Munros, the Janell Wheatons," Walton said. "Those right-handed batters, I need them to somehow build off each other and change up scouting reports and not be able to be pitched to the same."
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Tim Walton looks on during Florida’s 8-0 win against Indiana on Feb. 22 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Walton and UF begins the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
