Florida catcher JJ Schwarz hit a solo home run to extend the Gators lead to two in the fifth. A two-run single by second baseman Nick Reese played Schwarz and Florida third baseman Jonathan India in the eighth to give Florida a 7-3 lead and close out the scoring.
Miami is now 2-10 in their last 12 games against Florida. The Gators have held Miami to 27 runs in those 12 games. The lack of offense, in general, is concerning. It’s going to be tough to turn it around tonight.
After facing Gators ace and likely top pick in the MLB June draft in game one, the Hurricanes will face another likely top ten pick Jackson Kowar (1-0, 2.67 ERA) in game two. Kowar was the pitcher that closed out the Gators first National Championship in Omaha last season.
Kowar started the third game of the series last season against Miami. He pitched 5.2 innings, giving up four hits, one earned run, three walks and seven strikeouts. The Gators completed a three-game sweep of the Miami Hurricanes with a 6-2 win in Gainesville.
Next: History of Miami Hurricanes in MLB All-Star Game
Miami will throw Greg Veliz in the second game. Veliz lasted only three innings in an 8-5 win over Rutgers in the second game of the season last week. He gave up two earned runs on two hits with five walks and five strikeout. He was unable to last despite being staked to a 7-0 lead after the Hurricanes had a seven run third inning.