In his first start of the season on Wednesday, Brett Morales did not have a blemish on his statline.
The sophomore retired all 18 batters he faced before being pulled because of his pitch count to begin the game for the Gators, propelling No. 6 UF (4-0) to a 13-3 victory over USF (2-2).
Morales did not allow a batter to reach base, striking out seven in the process as Florida continued its early season success.
"I thought he was outstanding. He was in the zone," coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. "Some of the kids were laughing—it was almost like a Nintendo game. Anything you called was pretty much spot on."
As UF’s pitching staff contained USF’s hitters for most of the game, Florida put on an offensive clinic at the plate.
Eight different Florida players recorded at least one hit and one run, and four players had at least two RBIs.
The Gators ended the night with 13 runs on 14 hits, led by freshman JJ Schwarz.
The catcher hit his second home run of the season and led UF with 5 RBI.
"In the first inning (Schwarz) struck out with a runner at third, and he came right back and hit a hard base hit to center field and followed it up with a home run," O’Sullivan said. "That was really big."
Harrison Bader had another productive outing at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, increasing his RBI total to 14 on the season, a team-high.
Sophomore Buddy Reed recorded two stolen bases and two RBI on three hits, and Richie Martin scored two runs.
As a team, UF finished with a .368 batting average and increased its home run total to seven through four games.
USF was held scoreless up until the seventh inning, when junior Danny Young replaced Morales on the mound.
Young gave up two runs and three hits before being pulled in the same inning for left-hander Kirby Snead.
Tyler Deel, Alex Faedo and Logan Browning were also called from the bullpen late in the game.
Florida’s relief pitchers combined for five strikeouts while drawing just two walks.
"(Morales) kept South Florida’s hitters off balance. He was really, really sharp," O’Sullivan said.
"That was as good of a start as I’ve seen."
Next, Florida will begin its three game home series against No. 8 Miami on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Gators lost two of their three games to the Hurricanes last season in Miami.
"We know what we’re in for this weekend," O’Sullivan said.
"It’s not gonna be easy, but it’s going to be a good test for our team."
A radio broadcast contributed to this report.
Follow Ian Cohen on Twitter @ICohenB
Brett Morales pitches during Florida’s loss against Maryland on Feb. 15, 2014, at McKethan Stadium.
