Schwarz's remarkable postseason puts him in Florida's record books
Sunday, June 7, 2015 | Baseball, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The first one, a mammoth two-run homer in the second inning, tied Saturday's Super Regional game against Florida State.
No less towering, the second one was like an unexpected encore when you thought the show was over, a solo homer that gave the Gators a six-run lead in the sixth inning.
"They were both no-doubt shots,'' said FSU slugger DJ Stewart.
For Gators slugger JJ Schwarz, his two home runs in Florida's 11-4 victory over FSU rewrote the school record books. Schwarz now has 18 home runs, surpassing the record held by Austin Maddox (17 in 2010) for the most in school history for a freshman.
If you have been watching Schwarz of late, does that surprise you?
Probably not.
Still, what Schwarz has done in the Gators' run to the College World Series is, well, remarkable.
Since the start of the postseason, Schwarz is hitting .564 (22-for-39) with four homers, five doubles, 14 runs and 17 RBIs. In five NCAA Tournament games, the National Co-Freshman of the Year is hitting .600 (12-for-20) with four homers, nine runs and 11 RBIs. And in the sweep of the Seminoles, Schwarz went 5-for-7 with three homers, five RBIs and six runs.
Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan made another attempt at putting Schwarz's hot streak into perspective after Saturday's game.
"He's just got a knack. The barrel gets to the right spot a lot. He doesn't miss pitches and he is seeing the ball really well,'' O'Sullivan said. "He has really caught fire here. This is what happens, if you are going to win a championship, then a couple of guys really have to get hot. Obviously, he is getting to that point where he is carrying us a little bit right now."
As good as it's going for Schwarz, he knows sister Taylor will have the edge in their sibling rivalry if the Gators don't win a national title.
Taylor Schwarz's two-run single in the championship game of the Women's College World Series helped the Gators defeat Michigan and claim the program's second consecutive national title.
"This week's been un-describable," Schwarz said. "My sister winning the national championship. That's such an accomplishment. I'm so happy for her, and my parents are happy for her. I think it's our turn now. We're really excited to get out to Omaha and hopefully take one home."
For more on the Schwarzes, check out this column by Gene Frenettte of The Florida Times-Union.
