Following a 1-3 week, Florida is looking to get right with some midweek action against the Jacksonville Dolphins.
Jacksonville rallied late in the first meeting between these two teams to win 4-3. Cooper Walls was part of the Florida bullpen that gave up the deciding runs, so he’s looking for redemption as the starter this time around. Florida’s offense was flat for most of last week, except for Blake Cyr’s four home runs and nine runs batted in. Hopefully, the bats are a bit more lively with the Dolphins back in town.
Ben Baker-Livingston will take the mound for the Dolphins. He gave up three runs last time he faced the Gators, so there’s a good chance for the Orange and Blue to jump on him again. Taking an early lead — and adding to it this time — should make things difficult for Jacksonville.
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Florida vs. Jacksonville starting pitchers, lineups
NOTES: Cooper Walls has it rough since being removed from Florida’s weekend rotation. He’s given up seven runs and failed to record an out over his last two appearances against Georgia and Bethune-Cookman. The latter outing is more concerning. Bethune-Cookman has put together a solid lineup, but there’s zero reason for a former SEC starter to struggle so badly. Walls hit a batter and gave up two hits for four runs, three of which were earned. Time for the Hawaii transfer to bounce back.
Ben Baker-Livingston has appeared in 12 games this season for Jacksonville, throwing 21 2/3 innings. In the first meeting with Florida, Baker-Livingston worked three innings but gave up all three runs the Gators scored. Cole Stanford took him deep, and Brendan Lawson and Ethan Surowiec drove in runs.
Florida Gators starting lineup
Jacksonville Dolphins starting lineup
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The Florida vs. Jacksonville game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET from Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Florida.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Live updates, highlights from Florida baseball vs Jacksonville
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
