TALLAHASSEE - If being a senior leader means sacrificing yourself for the team, hitting a home run and remmbering to bring your jersey on road trips, then Teddy Foster wasn't just 2 for 3 in the batter's box on Tuesday.
Donning No. 47 instead of his regular No. 50 jersey, Foster helped UF to a 10-2 defeat of FSU in his class's final regular-season meeting with the Seminoles.
"I actually left my jersey in the locker room, and about 15 to 20 minutes into the bus ride, I realized I didn't have it," Foster said. "I told some of the staff and they said they had some extras, so I'm wearing an old teammate's from last year (Brett Bentley)."
The backup catcher and first baseman went 2 for 3 with a home run, a sacrifice fly and three RBIs, providing a spark from the No. 8 spot in the batting order.
Freshmen Daniel Pigott and Preston Tucker have become mainstays in the top half of the lineup, but the bottom half hasn't been so concrete.
Foster, who has now logged 32 at-bats on the season, said it can be difficult to contribute and lead as a veteran when playing time isn't always there.
But Tuesday, he made the best of his chance to help UF win the season series with FSU 2-1.
"It's a lot easier to lead the team on nights like tonight when you can lead by example," he said.
Foster wasn't the only senior leading by example in his final showdown with the Seminoles.
Left fielder Avery Barnes went 4 for 5 and added his second home run in the last four games with a 3-run job over the right-field wall in the first inning.
Barnes conceded that the series-clinching win probably meant a little bit more to the seniors who will likely never suit up against FSU again.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have a game like I did," he said. "If it is the last time, I have something to remember forever."
The only other senior position player on UF's roster is Brandon McArthur, who has played in 13 games against the Seminoles in his six-year career. He turned in a 1-for-4 effort and scored 2 runs before being replaced by freshman Jerico Weitzel in the eighth inning.
UF coach Kevin O'Sullivan said he didn't make a conscious decision to start his three senior hitters in their last chance to play in Dick Howser Stadium.
"Teddy's been swinging the bat really well for us - he had a good weekend against Auburn - and B-Mac has played a good third base for us," he said. "We're going to put the lineup out there that gives us the best chance to win."
