Florida Starts Russell Sandefer in Regional Opener as 39-19 Gators Chase Fast Start
Updated
Updated · Gainesville Sun · May 28
Florida Starts Russell Sandefer in Regional Opener as 39-19 Gators Chase Fast Start
2 articles · Updated · Gainesville Sun · May 28
Russell Sandefer will start Friday’s Gainesville Regional opener against Rider, with Florida abandoning its usual weekend rotation to prioritize the first game of the NCAA tournament.
Seven teams since 2013 have lost a regional opener and still reached a Super Regional, underscoring why coach Kevin O’Sullivan is reshuffling the staff.
Sandefer, Florida’s usual Game 3 starter, avoided serious injury after a line drive in the SEC tournament; X-rays were negative and his fastball reached 98 mph in his return.
The right-hander enters with a 4.38 ERA, 55 strikeouts and 18 walks in 51.1 innings, and his best outing came against Ole Miss with 11 strikeouts over seven innings.
Florida is 39-19 entering the postseason, where opening 2-0 has historically produced the clearest path to one of the 16 Super Regional spots.
From risky gamble to regional hero, what is pitcher Russell Sandefer's new role on the team going forward?
With their ace pitcher now rested for the Miami game, are the Gators the clear favorites to win the regional?
Did the Gators' pitching gamble truly succeed, or did a near bullpen collapse show it was just luck?