Gators pitcher Johnson back at hotel after getting hit in head by a baseball, trip to hospital
Saturday, May 28, 2011 | Baseball, Scott Carter
Gators left-hander Brian Johnson is back at the team hotel in Hoover, Ala., after a trip to the hospital Saturday afternoon.
Johnson, making the start against Georgia in the SEC Baseball Tournament, was hit in the back of the head in the first inning by a ball thrown by Gators catcher Mike Zunino. Johnson ducked and turned toward second base to get out of the way of Zunino's throw on a stolen-base attempt by the Bulldogs, but Zunino stumbled and his thrown drilled Johnson in the back of the head.
Johnson never saw the ball and crumpled to the ground, where he was attended to for several minutes until being removed on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital.
A CT scan revealed no fractures, bruises or bleeding. Johnson was diagnosed with a mild concussion and is currently back at the team hotel resting.
This is story with a photo of Johnson after the incident.
Johnson was the star of Florida's opening win in the tournament over Mississippi State, hitting a grand slam. When he is not on the mound, he serves as Florida's DH and plays first base.
Meanwhile, the Gators lost to Georgia, 4-3, setting up a second game later Saturday against the Bulldogs to determine which team will face Vanderbilt in the SEC Championship on Sunday.
