The Gators have struggled to hit for power throughout non-conference play this season, but they needed a couple big hits to secure their first series sweep of 2014.
On the backs of only its second home run and third triple of the season, Florida (10-6) defeated Connecticut (4-8) in extra innings for the third straight game, needing an extra frame of baseball to scrape across the final run in its 6-5 win at McKethan Stadium on Sunday.
“I think today was our best offensive day of the year,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said.
After taking the lead on two separate occasions in the first four innings, the Gators fell behind 5-4 in the sixth and looked like they would continue the run-averse trend that has befallen them for much of this season. After losing its lead, UF went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position through the next four innings.
Luckily for Florida, its pitchers kept it in the game. After two games in which the staff gave up one run combined, the pitchers struggled a little more on Sunday but kept the game within reach.
Making his fourth start of the season, redshirt junior Karsten Whitson lasted only 3.1 innings and gave up three runs, but the seven pitchers who relieved him went a combined 6.2 innings while giving up only two runs.
“This should be a big confidence boost for a lot of guys out of the pen,” O’Sullivan said. “You can’t create this type of environment during practice. This should build character.”
By the ninth, the entire lineup had cycled through and struggled to string enough hits together to plate the tying run. But in that inning, they needed only one hit.
After first baseman Peter Alonso flew out to begin the inning, catcher Taylor Gushue launched an 0-1 pitch well past the left-field bleachers. Instead of landing in an outfielder’s glove — like most of UF’s deep fly balls — it bounced off a car windshield, shattering both the glass and UConn’s lead.
“I was hoping it was gone, because I did a little bat flip,” Gushue said. “I kind of watched it a little bit. About three-quarters of the way there, I knew it was going to stay fair.”
Added O’Sullivan: “That was a big-time at-bat from a big-time player.”
The Gators could not capitalize on getting the winning run on in the ninth after left fielder Justin Shafer reached base due to an error, but they were almost forced to score in the 10th.
Third baseman Josh Tobias, who came into the game batting .212, knocked his second hit of the game — a hard triple to left-center field.
With a runner on third and no outs, Florida was poised to score and end the game quickly, but it needed three batters.
Center fielder Buddy Reed lined out softly to second baseman Vinny Siena, who was playing in to stop the runner from scoring on a ground ball. Shortstop Richie Martin followed, working a 3-2 count before walking.
Second baseman Casey Turgeon came up next. He had already grounded into one double play in the game, and O’Sullivan was determined for that not to happen again.
Turgeon attempted a squeeze drag bunt. It went foul. Although the element of surprise was gone, Turgeon dropped down another. This time, it stayed inside the line as Tobias raced toward home.
UConn first baseman Bobby Melley fielded the rolling ball, but Tobias was already crossing the plate.
Melley didn’t even attempt a throw.
“We’re starting to break out a little bit,” Gushue said. “Bats are getting hot. Pitchers are absolutely carving up the other hitters.”
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @alichtenstein24
Taylor Gushue runs toward first base during Florida’s 4-0 win against Maryland on Feb. 14 at McKethan Stadium.
