CORAL GABLES, Florida — Florida baseball defeated the Miami Hurricanes, 8-4, Saturday night to clinch a series win going into the final game.
Kevin O’Sullivan updated Gators Wire on the injury status of Aidan King after the game, calling it cramps. He praised his bullpen for executing well despite coming into the game earlier than expected. O’Sullivan talked about Florida’s depth on the bench and the ability to use all of his bats against their first left-handed starter of the year.
He touched on the controversial balk call that put Florida ahead in the seventh, praising the umpire for the job he’s done all series. O’Sullivan also liked that his team stayed calm under pressure and tacked on some insurance runs after that.
Here’s everything Kevin O’Sullivan said to Gators Wire after the game.
On wrapping up the rivalry series in two games
“Of course it’s a rivalry, but it’s really a measuring stick for where we’re at right now. The outcome of this week isn’t going to indicate what these teams will look like in May, but I’m pleased with how we’re playing.”
On the early pitching change
“It was unfortunate he went out with cramps. It’s been chilly in Gainesville, and this was the first time he’s pitched in humidity. He was probably going to continue cramping up all night, so it was more precautionary than anything.I thought Ricky Reed came in and did a fantastic job holding it right there.”
On the bullpen and late-game execution
“Ernie came in and did a great job. Copeland put together a great at-bat, and their guy made one more pitch to finish him off. Then Josh came in and threw the ball really well. We’re getting to a point where I’m trusting our bullpen. That gives us flexibility — like going to Jackson last night for three innings. Now he’s done for the weekend, and we still have three or four guys we trust to follow tomorrow. It makes my job easier when you know what you’re going to get out of guys.”
On facing the first left-handed starter of the year
“That’s the first left-handed starter we’ve seen all year. He pitched really well and kept us off balance. At one point, we struck out seven times in a row — he was outstanding. Once we start seeing more left-handers, we’ll get more comfortable.”
On Ethan’s three-run homer
“The three-run homer in the eighth was huge. He had a tough night up until that point, but like we told him, the game always seems to come back to you one way or another.”
On the balk call and environment
“That’s a tough call for an umpire because there’s going to be a reaction either way. I haven’t seen it, but if it was a ball, it was a ball. He had a pitch last night on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded that was just off the plate, and he called it a ball. He’s a really good umpire. He made some tough calls in tough spots. That was a big play for us to take the 5-4 lead.”
On bench depth and flexibility
“We had Kendall ready. We had Stripling ready. We’ve got flexibility and depth. It was honestly a complete team win.Their closer has a really good split and is tough on right-handers. He did a good job — just left one pitch up to Ethan.”
On moving Ethan up in the lineup
“I think that’s the third straight game we’ve hit him in the three spot. Obviously, not having Cade right now changes things — he’s day-to-day. Once he’s back, that’ll help us. But we used just about everybody tonight, and I think that shows the depth we have.”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Kevin O’Sullivan talks Saturday win over Miami Hurricanes, Aidan King
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
