And so the Gators welcome the Bulls to Condron Family Ballpark. Howd'ya like THAT 9th inning? TV: SEC Network + (on-line) USF vs. #7 Florida | Watch ESPN Radio: WRUF 98.1 FM / 850 AM Listen Live - ESPN 98.1 FM - 850 AM WRUF Stats: StatBroadcast Live Stat Feed Weather: 79 Deg at the start and 67 to finish. 1-6% chance of precip. SW 5-9 mph breeze = wafting out to center field. Starting Gator: #17 Fr RHP Tejeda Starting Earl: #51 Fr LHP Jackson Go Gators!
Still no word on the starter but Sully has lots to choose from throughout the game in RHPs Ficarrotta, Jameson, Ursitti, and if we get a big lead Clemente, Nesbitt, Tejeda, Hartzog. In LHP we have Finnvold, Arroyo and Abner. If we need a closer I expect Purnell.
I still haven't seen anything but I'd really like to see Clemente get the start. I've been following him since last season and his almost perfect record pitching for Stoneman Douglas. He could be really good next year, same with Arroyo. We haven't had much visibility of Clemente pitching recently so he would be a surprise. Guys like Ficc, Finnvold, and Ursitti deserve a shot at an inning or two as well. Hopefully by 3 pm something will be posted, unless you know more than me.
Would it kill Cardoza to ask the question in the post game interview. Sully may not answer or give coach speak "There are a number of guys we need to get out there" but at least ask.
I'm hoping it's Tejeda as he started two scrimmages I attended in Spring and pitched well. Of the newbies, I have not seen Clemente or Arroyo pitch so have no opinion although I know Clemente was highly recruited. Fisher was terrific last night and did not let the early error and unearned run deter him. He pitched well in the first close game we've had until the breakout inning in the 9th. Slater and Neely were lights out good. Speaking of Tejeda, he plays a pretty good first base- big target, good athlete and fairly soft hands and a solid LH bat if needed. I'm concerned that Lastres has yet to swing the bat... I hope it's not an injury. If he's fit to go, I'd like to see him behind the plate tonight.
Yes, it would be good if our reporters asked about the status of some of the guys who have not seen action even though we were in laughers the entire weekend. I am particularly interested in Lastres' status- I see him is our best defensive catcher and can also hit with power he can also play 1st base. For those who may not know, Lastres was the #1 rated HS catcher in Florida in 2021 class and #31 overall recruit in the country. Unless he's injured it's inexcusable that he has yet to make a plate appearance.
The standout thing that I have seen in our current team is it is apparent that every single one of them are more than willing and capable of doing their part to pull the wagon. Nobody is standing around waiting on somebody else to get us going. Everyone is ready to go. I like it!
This link to a Feb. 9, 2023 article about the pitching staff says that Clemente is working his way back from shoulder soreness. 2023 Gators Baseball Preview: Pitchers - The Independent Florida Alligator So maybe he won't be out there tonight. We'll see in a few hours.
Halter better start producing or he will be passed over. Too much talent on team to have a 3B that can't perform. This is now our second year with this as a weakness.
Not sure Sully gives a crap what a high school recruiting ranking means when it comes to playing time
A ridiculous statement and if you watched a few scrimmages this Spring, you might be of a different opinion- Lastres is excellent behind the plate with a quick release and rifle arm and solid with the bat. In his handful of at-bats before his TJ injury last year, he looked very good including a bomb HR in his first college at-bat.
As ridiculous as you calling out Sully as it being “inexcusable”? I wasn’t questioning Lastres potential but your inexcusable comment……that’s all! Possibly something else going on with him that he has not played yet? Maybe he missed practice….a class….minor injury?
As exceptionally well as the team has played....I love Sully noting post game that they have not been good getting runners in from third with less than two outs. Gotta be productive in those situations and good for coach on calling it out
