O'Sullivan yet to name Friday's starter; Gators bullpen getting job done
Thursday, June 23, 2011 | Baseball, Scott Carter
The Gators learned Wednesday night that they will face Vanderbilt for the sixth time this season on Friday. The Commodores remained alive by beating North Carolina in an elimination game.
Florida completed a 3-1 win over the Commodores on Tuesday morning after the game was suspended late Monday night due to inclement weather.
Vanderbilt ace Sonny Gray will start what is a must-win game for the Commodores. Gray pitched the College World Series opener on Saturday but struggled with his command, allowing eight hits, three runs and walking five in 4 2/3 innings.
Meanwhile, the Gators' starter remains uncertain. Coach Kevin O'Sullivan has multiple options considering the Gators have Hudson Randall, Brian Johnson and Alex Panteliodis all available.
Panteliodis defeated Vanderbilt 5-0 in the SEC Tournament title game last month and is considered the most likely choice. However, Randall is also available, pitching 6 2/3 solid innings in Florida's win against Texas on Saturday.
Meanwhile, while Florida's starter will be a hot topic until Friday's game, the Gators' bullpen deserves equal billing considering the way it has pitched in two games at the CWS.
In Florida's 8-4 win over Texas and 3-1 victory over Vanderbilt, Florida relievers have pitched 6 2/3 hitless innings, striking out 11 and walking one. Greg Larson (1/3 IP, 1 SO), Nick Maronde (2 IP, 3 SO) and Steven Rodriguez (4.1 IP, 1 BB, 7 SO) have been spectacular when O'Sullivan has called on the bullpen.
“I feel like our bullpen wants to go out there and prove something,'' Gators catcher Mike Zunino said. “They are as focused as they have ever been, and it shows. We have got some great arms out there and they are just doing everything they can to keep us in ballgames and shut the door.''
Rodriguez had the best outing of his career after replacing starter Karsten Whitson in Monday's suspended game. He faced 14 batters and allowed just one base runner.
He doesn't expect the added rest between games to be a factor for the relievers on Friday if their number is called.
“Everybody's got their legs underneath them, relaxed a little and got ready to go,'' Rodriguez said. “It just gives us a little time to recuperate and hopefully everybody will be ready to go on Friday.''
Closer Austin Maddox, who has missed three weeks with an injured left foot, is also available if needed according to O'Sullivan.
