Carter's Corner: Reese Has a Night to Remember

Blake Reese was called into emergency duty on Saturday night when starting shortstop Dalton Guthrie had to leave the game. (Photo: Courtney Culbreath/UAA Communications)

Carter's Corner: Reese Has a Night to Remember

Monday, June 26, 2017 | Baseball, Scott Carter

Gators reserve Blake Reese wasn't sure if he would play in Omaha, and suddenly he was at second base fielding a ground ball against TCU in Florida's win to reach the championship series.

By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer

OMAHA, Neb. – Blake Reese wasn't sure what was going on as he ran back to the dugout for the start of the fourth inning in Florida's 3-0 win over Texas Christian on Saturday night.

Reese was on the field trading warm-up throws with right fielder Nelson Maldonado as TCU prepared to bat. At the same time, unbeknownst to Reese, starting shortstop Dalton Guthrie was in the dugout slumped over the team's bat rack with back spasms.

As Reese sprinted off the field, those in the dugout pointed toward second base.

Reese didn't know what they were pointing at.

"I looked to the outfield, 'did I miss a ball or something like that? Is [center fielder Ryan] Larson going to throw a ball in?' No, you're going to second base,'' Reese said. "I was surprised. It was kind of nice -- I didn't have a whole lot of time to think about anything. To be honest, there were no nerves or anything."

A sophomore reserve who has played the outfield and infield this season, Reese was inserted into the game at second while second baseman Deacon Liput moved to shortstop to replace Guthrie.

Moments later Reese's glove got some work.

After starter Alex Faedo walked Cam Warner to lead off the inning, Ryan Merrill hit a sharp grounder to Reese, who threw to Liput for the force out at second. Reese had four ground balls hit to him overall, including a pair of hard hit ones in the sixth for the first two outs that earned a nod from Faedo.

"I definitely got some action, so it was fun,'' Reese said. "I've had all kind of roles. We've had a lot of injuries and people playing different positions, so I think we've got a lot of guys ready when their name is called. That's my role right now. I'm just glad I could get in there and help out."

As a freshman Reese made the trip to Omaha but did not play as the Gators lost twice and returned home. He has appeared in 40 games this season, including 18 starts. He is hitting .233 with no homers and 11 RBIs this season.

Gators head coach Kevin O'Sullivan on Sunday said Guthrie is probable for Monday night's Game 1 against LSU in the College World Series final. Guthrie has undergone treatment for his back spasms since Saturday and is a key cog in UF's defense.

"I saw him in the elevator [after Saturday's game],'' O'Sullivan said. "He seemed in good spirits. He feels confident going into [the series]. That will obviously be up to the training staff."

If Guthrie is unable to play, Reese's glove is warm.

Teammate JJ Schwarz is optimistic the Gators won't be at a disadvantage if Guthrie is unable to play and Reese is forced into action.

"I feel like that's kind of been our whole season, guys going down and guys stepping up,'' Schwarz said. "This is going to be nothing different. Everyone has full confidence in Blake. I feel like we're going to be fine."

Reese grew up in Tallahassee and attended Florida State games regularly as a kid. Looking for a different experience in college, he signed with the Gators.

Two years later, he has made two trips to Omaha.

This one has been more memorable. The Gators are in the championship series and Reese had a chance to spend some time with his maternal grandfather, Dick Dale, who lives about 20 minutes from downtown Omaha.

Christine Reese, Blake's mom, is from here.

"He drove me around a little bit and showed me the place where my mom grew up," Reese said.

Everything happened so fast for Reese on Saturday, he said he didn't take time to soak in the experience until he fielded a ground ball in the ninth for the second out of the inning. One out from the CWS final, Reese took a moment to look around TD Ameritrade Park.

"It was humbling,'' he said. "I got chills just looking around. It kind of put things in perspective."