GAINESVILLE, Fla.--The Florida baseball team opens the season with a three-game series against the Siena Saints beginning Friday night at McKethan Stadium.
The series opener is Friday at 6:30 p.m. All three games this weekend will stream live on SEC Network+ via the WatchESPN app. Join the Gators opening night for a special celebration looking back on the 2017 national championship. (
DETAILS)
PITCHING MATCHUPS
|
Friday | 6:30 p.m. (SEC+) |
Saturday | 4 p.m. (SEC+) |
Sunday | 1 p.m. (SEC+) |
| UF |
RHP Brady Singer |
RHP Jackson Kowar |
RHP Tyler Dyson |
| SIENA |
RHP Brendan White |
LHP Tommy Miller |
RHP John Nolan |
SERIES HISTORY
Florida is 12-0 all time against Siena, including 4-0 under
Kevin O'Sullivan. The Gators swept their last three-game series with the Bulldogs in 2008.
QUICK HITS
- The Gators enter the 2018 season as the unanimous preseason No. 1 team in the country, fresh off the first national championship in program history.
- Florida was voted by the league's coaches as the favorite to win the 2018 SEC title and had four players earn preseason All-SEC recognition: RHP Michael Byrne (1st team), 3B Jonathan India (1st team), RHP Brady Singer (1st team) and C JJ Schwarz (2nd team).
Byrne and Singer were also Preseason First Team All-America selections.
- The Gators recruiting class ranked No. 2 in the nation, highlighted by SS Brady McConnell who was rated the top position player not to sign in the draft (according to Baseball America).
Schwarz was named team captain for 2018, the first named under O'Sullivan (2008-18).
- COMPLETE GAME NOTES
PROMOTIONS
FRIDAY | 6:30 p.m. | SEC Network+
- OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION
- Replica National Championship Trophy Giveaway – The first 500 fans receive a replica National Championship trophy.
- National Championship Trophy – Fans can take their picture with the 2017 National Championship trophy on the concourse.
- 2017 National Championship Celebration – Be in your seats early for a special pre-game presentation, recognizing the 2017 National Championship as we unveil a championship display in Left Field
- Ceremonial First Pitch – 2017 College World Series MVP Alex Faedo will return to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game
- Raise The Flag – Members of the 2017 National Championship team will raise a National Championship flag in the middle of the 1st inning as we celebrate the 2017 season and officially turn the page to the 2018 season!
- Around The Horn Pregame Show – GatorVision's Mitch Gerber will host the Around The Horn Pregame Show on Facebook Live prior to the game with interviews and special features on the team!
SATURDAY | 4 p.m.| SEC Network+
- Seniors Nights – Senior citizens, ages 55 and older, can purchase 2-for-1 reserved bleacher seating
- Military/First Responders Nights – All military members and first responders, active and retired, can purchase 2-for-1 reserved bleacher seating
SUNDAY | 1 p.m.| SEC Network+
- Family Sundays – GA tickets, small popcorn and 10oz. sodas are only $1 each
- Community National Anthem – Prior to the game, kids 12 and under, can line the field for the National Anthem
- Kids Korner – Fun and games set up on the concourse for kids 12 and under
- Allison Ables Real Estate Circle the Bases – Kids, 12 and under can circle the bases with Albert following non-conference Sunday games [Allison Ables Real Estate Logo]
