Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan said he is considering four starters for the three-man rotation in the NCAA Super Regional. If O’Sullivan is wise, Jonathon Crawford will crack the final trio.
After tossing a no-hitter against Bethune-Cookman last Friday, Crawford proved he is a go-to guy on Florida’s pitching staff. He is not the go-to guy — see Randall, Hudson — but nonetheless, Crawford is vital to the Gators’ success from here on out.
What makes Crawford dangerous is his motivation.
Last season, O’Sullivan left him off the Florida roster that traveled to Omaha, Neb., for the College World Series.
“It was a very tough decision, but it was one that we felt like needed to be made,” O’Sullivan said.
“He went off the Northwoods League, never complained, got his 50 innings in, came back (and) was much improved this fall. (He) was very open-minded to some changes and has worked extremely hard.
“I’ve been hard on him, and on top of that, now we’ve asked him to have multiple roles this year. … Now we’re 12 months later, and he’s starting the first game of the regional, and he throws a no-hitter.”
Crawford watched the Gators lose to the Gamecocks in the College World Series final on television. He was patient, and he used his missed chance to compete for a national title to fuel his success in 2012.
“It’s not a good feeling being left behind while your team’s going to Omaha,” Crawford said. “So, I just wanted to go out [last] summer and work really hard and contribute to the team and help them get to Omaha again.”
Crawford kicked off the Gators’ bid for a third straight College World Series with a no-hitter, but it wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill no-no.
Former Diamondbacks starter Edwin Jackson walked eight batters and logged 149 pitches while holding the Rays hitless in June 2010. Any pitcher is capable of stumbling upon greatness.
Crawford’s start against the Wildcats was nothing short of dominant.
Granted, he handcuffed fourth-seeded Bethune-Cookman, but the way he was pitching, Crawford would have toyed with the likes of South Carolina and UCLA.
The sophomore right-hander threw first-pitch strikes to 19 of the 27 batters he faced. During the ninth inning, his fastball was clocked at 98 mph. The only player Crawford allowed to reach base was thrown out trying to steal second.
“I guess the stars aligned for me,” Crawford said.
If that’s the case, somebody upstairs really likes Crawford. He has posted a 2.92 ERA and a .242 batting average against in 13 starts.
In his last four starts, he has pitched 23.1 innings with a 1.16 ERA and a 2.88-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The more he starts, the deeper he pitches in games. As his innings pile up, his effectiveness continues to sharpen.
He’s not going to throw another no-hitter this postseason, but I doubt he’ll surrender much more.
Crawford’s a stone-cold killer, and he’s heating up at the right time for Florida.
Put Crawford in, coach O’Sullivan: he’s ready to play.
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
