The Gators will try and bounce back from a pretty big loss to Florida State this week, as they will face the Kent State Golden Flashes over the weekend.
Kent State, who won the MAC Championship last season, travels to Gainesville with an 0-3 record after getting swept by the Wake Forest Demon Deacons last weekend.
While a few of the Gator bats came alive on Tuesday against the Noles, the pitching staff was unable to keep the red-hot FSU lineup quiet, giving up a total of 20 hits and 14 runs. The loss to the in-state rival gave the Gators a 4-4 record on the season headed into this weekend's series.
This will be the first time these two teams have ever met.
Here's a quick glance at the 3-game set next weekend:
Game 1:
Friday, 6:30 pm - No TV
KS Starter: RHP John Pacella (0-0, 6.75)
UF Starter: RHP Bryan Augenstein (1-1, 1.38)
Augenstein bounced back nicely from a season-opening loss against Miami last Friday night, picking up the win for the Gators. He only gave up three hits to the Canes over seven innings, striking out seven.
Game 2:
Saturday, 2:00 pm - No TV
KS Starter: RHP Dom Rodgers (0-1, 9.00)
UF Starter: LHP Stephen Locke (0-1, 7.56)
Stephen Locke still hasn't seemed to get back into the swing of things in his last outing, despite not losing the game to Miami. Following a disappointing effort against VMI in the second game of the season, Locke gave up three earned runs through four innings as the Hurricanes chased him out of the game.
Game 3:
Sunday, Noon - No TV
KS Starter: RHP Kyle Smith (0-0, 3.00)
UF Starter: RHP Billy Bullock (1-1, 7.00)
After a strong start to the season for Bullock in a win over VMI, the freshman right-hander had a tough outing against Miami, giving up seven runs on seven hits. He also walked three batters, leaving after only pitching 3.1 innings on the day.
Overall the Kent State pitching staff was roughed up last weekend against Wake Forest, so this may be a situation where we can see some of our hitters turn it up this weekend. The Golden Flashes gave up 24 runs in the three games against the Demon Deacons.
Go Gators!!!