Florida looked like an elite team for eight innings.
But, against No. 3 FSU on Tuesday, there was that one inning — the seven-run first inning.
Playing their first nationally ranked opponent of the season, the Gators lost 10-5. The loss raised doubts about whether No. 5 UF — a popular preseason pick to reach the College World Series — could match up with the nation’s best.
But Florida has a chance to redeem itself tonight at 7, as it takes the field against No. 16 Miami (6-1) in Coral Gables. With a win, the Gators (5-1) can prove they aren’t just bullies who feast on underdogs.
“We just got a little ahead of ourselves,” third baseman Bryson Smith said. “There are a lot more games. Playing good competition, I think we can handle it.”
After winning its first five games by a combined score of 42-18, UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said his players were undisciplined at the plate Tuesday.
The Gators swung for the fences — and missed — instead of settling for singles against accurate pitches.
Smith said that’s why he struck out with runners on second and third in the sixth inning Tuesday.
“I had pretty good success last year, and I’ve always had pride bringing runners in,” said Smith, a transfer who had 90 RBIs at Young Harris College last season. “I was trying to do too much.”
Four other Gators stranded runners in scoring position Tuesday, so the team worked on situational hitting to prepare for Miami.
For example, assistant coach Craig Bell told designated hitter Austin Maddox not to hit fly balls during batting practice Wednesday.
Sophomore Alex Panteliodis will take the mound for the Gators, and he hopes to be more effective than Anthony DeSclafani, who only faced five FSU batters before O’Sullivan yanked him.
Against lesser competition, UF starters allowed just two earned runs in 23 1/3 innings, and Panteliodis expects the Gators pitchers will be fine against good teams.
In fact, he thinks they will thrive against the Hurricanes and other high-quality opponents.
“With in-state rivalries, for some reason, you get more pumped up,” he said. “Everything just happens to be better that day. Obviously, (Tuesday) was a little misleading.”
