Win against Illinois State shows Gators are improving

Posted Mar 10, 2010 by Aaron Oberlin

Updated Mar 10, 2010 at 12:53 AM

With three players in the midst of at least a seven-game hitting streak and a pitching staff that continues to shut down opponents, it’s safe to say the No. 6 Florida men’s baseball team has things working in order.
 

But after the Gators (8-2) lost their first game of the season to No. 3 Florida State on March 2, UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan wanted more from his guys before coming into last weekend’s three-game series against No. 10 Miami and a 10-game home stand that started March 9.

 
He wants more from his team before they enter Southeastern Conference play March 19.

 
The Gators got aggressive on the base paths March 9 against Illinois State, as Florida won 8-2. The Gators stole nine bases, with three from right fielder Kamm Washington and two from leadoff centerfielder Matt den Dekker, who scored three runs.

 
O’Sullivan said for his team to be good, they have to keep applying pressure in the running game, something the Gators did against the Hurricanes on March 7 when they stole five bases and won 4-2.

“We stole a bunch against Miami and a bunch tonight. That’s going to help us down the road,” said O’Sullivan. “We are going to keep running out there.”

 
Miami defeated the Gators 9-6 in the prior game. That game and the loss to FSU are the only times this year Florida’s starting pitching gave up more than two runs.

 
In those games, too, the hitting was streaky, something it’s been all season. O’Sullivan said he wants to see the hitting remain consistent throughout a game.

 
“We’re putting our runs up in clumps,” he said.

 
First basemen Austin Maddox put up a cluster of runs against ISU in the fifth inning. He belted a three-run home run to give Florida a 5-2 lead. The Redbirds never threatened to come back.

 
Maddox had one hit out of four at bats, but he extended his hitting streak to seven games. Freshman shortstop Nolan Fontana raised his to eight, sophomore Preston Tucker to nine.

 
Tucker and Fontana both say they approach hitting by taking it one pitch at a time.

“I try not to give away at bats and do what I can to help the team by working counts and waiting for the right pitch to hit. The focus is doing what I can to help us win by moving runners over and driving them in,” said Tucker.

Now, if the Gators do can do that throughout an entire game, then coach will be happy.

“Each game (against Miami) was a battle and facing two All-American pitchers required a lot of patience in manufacturing runs. The trip to Coral Gables was a good test for what we will face in SEC play. Obviously being just 10 games into the season there is plenty of room for improvement, but I’m pleased with where we are right now,” said O’Sullivan.