College Baseball Regional Previews: Gainesville, FL

Gainesville Regional 1. Florida Gators (39-20) vs 4. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (32-26) 2. Miami Hurricanes (36-20) vs 3. Jacksonville Dolphins (36-20) Winner to take on champion of Atlanta Regional. The SEC Eastern division champion Florida Gators earned the number 8 national seed following a stellar regular season. The Gators have a solid club, but are certainly vulnerable to an upset this weekend. The Gators top player is freshman Preston Tucker (.338, 12 HR, 77 RBI). The SEC Co-Freshman of the Year, Tucker will play a key role in the success of the Gators, as will veteran Avery Barnes. Coach Kevin O'Sullivan has had a revolving door for his starting pitchers this season, and nobody has established himself as the clear number one. Stephen Locke has been the most consistent starter and could get the opening round start. Postseason baseball is often about starting pitching, and Florida will need quality outings from some inconsistent starting pitchers to advance to the super regionals. ...more...