Florida baseball head coach Kevin O’Sullivan and third baseman Ethan Surowiec joined the SEC Now crew after the Gators’ 13-3 SEC Tournament quarterfinal win over the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday.
O’Sullivan joked with the crew about being under the radar, even though Florida has gained a reputation in recent weeks as one of the hottest teams in the SEC. He praised Liam Peterson for his performance and the rest of his pitching staff rather than focusing on the offense.
Surowiec, who drove in three runs on four hits, including two doubles and a home run, talked about the team’s offensive approach. He noted that recent success against Georgia gives the team some confidence heading into Saturday’s semifinal matchup with the Bulldogs.
Shortstop Brendan Lawson briefly spoke with on-field reporter Kris Budden to provide an update on his knee. Lawson fouled a ball off himself before hitting a double to spark a big inning for Florida.
Here’s what they said:
O’Sullivan on Florida flying under the radar
“We’re still under the radar. We’re going to stay there,” he said with a smirk. “No, we’ve obviously had some ups and downs this year, but we’re playing right at the right time. We’re getting healthy at the right time. Getting back some of our bullpen arms that have been out, and obviously we have a great story in Caden McDonald and Hayden Yost.
“What can you say with what they’ve been able to do? It’s truly given us a lot of length in our lineup.”
On flipping Liam Peterson’s performance today
“I think it might be his third or fourth really good start in a row. I went out there in the fifth, he had two outs and had given up a run. He was visibly upset. Before I got to the mound he said, ‘I’m not coming out.’ I told him. ‘I wasn’t coming out to you out; I promise. I’m just letting you get your breath beneath you.’
“He’s been outstanding. His last two pitches today — Karson Bowen calls his pitches — I love the way he finished it with two fastballs. Up to 100 mph and finish it with an exclamation point.”
Is there a sense the Peterson is being the guy you know he can be?
“I mean, yeah. I’ve always said that I feel like we have one of the best 1-2 punches in the country, and now it’s all coming together. I’m looking forward to getting Russ(ell Sandefer) back out there on Saturday. We’re certainly going to need three starters in our regional, but I really feel good.
“Josh (Whritenour) hasn’t thrown yet, our closer. Getting back (Luke) McNeillie has been huge, and (Jackson) Barberi. You’ve got those three guys at the end, you feel really good. And Ernie (Lugo-Canchola). We call him Everyday Ernie, the lefty that we have. He’s been really good for us all year long.”
Lawson on his knee
“It hurts a little bit, but I ran out the pain, as I told someone behind me. I haven’t fouled a ball off my kneecap in a while, but I’m just happy I could stay in and help us get a win.”
On doubling after foul ball off his own knee
“Maybe part of me just wanted the at-bat to be over. I just saw something out over the plate, and I put a good swing on it.”
Surowiec on offensive success
“The whole approach is just to be on time and get a good pitch to hit. I love getting those pitches to hit, and I keep putting good swings on the ball.”
On using the backside of the field
“It feels like I just need to be team-focused. When there’s runners on second and third, less than two (outs), getting the ball on the ground to the right side. I just think having a complete, good swing path, letting the ball get deep, putting a good swing on it, that definitely helps.”
On impact of winning regular season series vs. Georgia
“It definitely gives us some confidence. We know we can beat those guys. Us, as a group, we’re playing pertty well, and we’re ready to get back out there and show what we can do.”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Sully, Lawson, Surowiec talk Florida’s SEC Tournament win over Alabama
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
