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Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan presides over an arsenal of hurlers,
a seasoned bag of riches.
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Propelled by a strong contingent of pitchers — especially an
effective bullpen — the No. 1 Gators are just two wins away from a
second straight appearance in the College World Series.
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Friday at noon, Florida (48-16) opens the best-of-three
"http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/national-collegiate-athletic-association-OREDU0000001.topic"> NCAA
against Mississippi
State (37-23) at McKethan Stadium.
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Led by a lanky redheaded-right-hander who tops out at 89 mph,
O'Sullivan's highly touted staff will aim to punch Florida's ticket
back to Omaha, Neb.
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At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds soaking wet, Hudson Randall has anchored
the Gators staff all season.
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The All-Southeastern Conference second-team performer led Florida
in wins (nine), ERA (2.38), batting average against (.237) and
innings pitched (102.0). Despite not sporting eye-popping
abilities, Randall has dominated the SEC with pinpoint control.
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"He's been doing it now for two years," O'Sullivan said. "Last year
he led the [conference] in ERA as a freshman. I don't know if I've
ever had a kid do that."
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Armed with a natural sinking fastball and impeccable command, the
sophomore has walked just 10 batters all year. Twice this season,
two heralded conference coaches referred to Randall as a collegiate
Greg Maddux.
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"He's a big game pitcher," O'Sullivan said. "He likes being that
guy."
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The former Freshman-All American tossed at least six innings in 12
of 16 starts, surrendering one earned run or fewer nine times.
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While the Gators are 3-1 against the
"color: #000000;">Bulldogs this year, Randall's worst outing
of the season actually came at the hands of MSU.
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The sophomore said he is seeking redemption after Mississippi State
ambushed him for six runs on nine hits in just 2.1 innings, the
second shortest start of his young career.
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"I have a sour taste in my mouth," Randall said. "They were really
aggressive, and I was leaving the ball up."
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Florida's ace said he identified the proper adjustments, and that,
"[he's] really looking forward to this weekend."
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Although the Bulldogs barely made the NCAA field of 64 and finished
the conference campaign two games under .500, they swept the
Atlanta Regional, upsetting No. 12 Georgia Tech.
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Florida's wealth of pitching depth will receive an added boost as
O'Sullivan anticipates injured starter/designated hitter Brian
Johnson to return to action this weekend.
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Out since the third game of the SEC Tournament, the left-hander has
slowly recovered from the head
injury he suffered against Georgia. Freshman Karsten Whitson
(8-0, 2.42) will toe the rubber in Game 2 on Saturday, but Johnson
would likely be the starter of the "if necessary Game 3 on
Sunday."
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O'Sullivan was less optimistic about sophomore Austin Maddox's
return, saying, "He's still day-to-day." Florida's closer/first
baseman sprained his foot in Friday's throttling of Manhattan.
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"We've shown the ability to play well without those two. There's a
lot of guys capable of getting the last out of the game,"
O'Sullivan said.
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With an infusion of talent and volume, sophomore southpaw Steven
Rodriguez (1.44 ERA) and MLB
draftees Nick Maronde (1.66 ERA), Greg Larson (2.25), Tommy Toledo
(3.21) and Anthony DeSclafani (4.36) could all pitch in save
situations this weekend.
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"We probably have one of the deepest bullpens in the nation,"
Randall said. "If one guy cant do the job then another guys steps
up."
