Gator Baseball Opens SEC Tournament
By winning the SEC East, the No. 10 Gators get to play at 11am against Arkansas in the SEC Tournament today. While 11am isn't exactly early, and most of us have played Little League games much earlier than that, I cannot imagine anyone being in peak physical condition at 11am. Not only that, it's 10am Central time, even worse for the Razorbacks (the tournament is in Hoover, Ala.).
Earlier this season, Arky swept the Gators (38-18, 19-11) in Fayetteville, but the teams have gone in opposite directions. The Razorbacks (32-20, 14-15) have lost 8 of 10 games, including their last three. UF's 6-4 record in their last ten isn't that impressive, but they have won 12 of 16 games. UF is a streaky team, with win streaks of 8, 5 (twice), and 4 (twice). They've also had three 3 game losing streaks. In a tournament, this is a huge benefit and huge disadvantage. One bad game can submarine the whole run. But as we saw last season with Fresno State's improbable run to the National Championship, a hot team can crush people.
On the bump today is Stephen Locke (4-1, 4.88), who has experienced enough chaos this season to last a lifetime. Florida has not gotten this far on the strength of their pitching (they are 11th in batting average allowed, .296), but in tournament play, you need your pitching to go deep into games and avoid long at-bats. A good performance by UF can give them one of the coveted top-8 spots in the tournament, so they can host a Super Regional.
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May I be the first to say....
UF baseball once again disappoints.
Let’s channel our love to the softball team, winners of 24 straight – 15 of those by shutout, and the only team in Gainesville playing on a diamond that doesn’t continually choke.
It’s double elimination, but they play again at 11am tomorrow, so they are screwed. Besides, they are a lock for an NCAA bid.
Also, this team plays the field like a t-ball team.
mlmintampa
UF C/O 06
No more excuses
Arkansas had to play at 11 am also. It’s not like it’s a football game in Jacksonville where the time or temperature is different for one team than it is the other!!!
I don’t see this team coming out of the losers bracket and making any noise. Also, they’ll make the NCAAs obviously, but it is vital that they host (regional yes, super? forget it now), as this team is much much better at home.
It was the opponent in this case.
We just haven’t had any luck against Arkansas this year. I listened on XM and it was just a disappointment. The unenthusatic announcers didn’t help matters.
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on May 20, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
If that's the case
then it doesn’t look too good for the Gator Nine, as we were 1-2 against Ole Miss in Gainvesville this season. That, coupled with the early start gives us a full slate of excuses for an early 2 and done finish. I hope they can nut up, and I’ll listen in again this morning/afternoon, but just don’t have much faith in them.
I hope I’m wrong.
If you’re listening to today’s game, Mick Hubert keeps going on and on about the stadium radar gun. Rather than just ignore it is juiced up, he comments on it every time. Seriously, it’s getting annoying.
Also, UF up 5-2 after 5.
mlmintampa
UF C/O 06
I guess I'll settle for being the 2nd...
to say Gators win! I am glad they showed some fortitude and bounced back for a big win. Let’s hope they can put together a little run here.

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