Florida Gators News: Baseball gets massive bounce back, Softball continues to roll

Opening Day went about as poorly as one could have conjured up for the Gators. It wasn’t that Florida lost; it was the combination of sloppy decision-making along with a terrible start from Liam Peterson. 

But baseball is a long season and on Friday Peterson had a bounceback performance that should help calm any fears about Florida’s ace.

Liam Peterson has a massive night for the Gators

Facing Kenneseaw State, Peterson looked in command all night long. Everything felt far more sharp than last week, and Peterson struck out 12 and only walked two en route to a 5.1 inning performance with just 1 hit and no earned runs against.

Off the heels of Aidan King and Cooper Walls looking impressive in their debuts last week, it opens the door for Florida to have the best pitching staff in the country if the Gators can get this version of Peterson all season long.

Also notable from Friday night was first baseman Ethan Surowiec's two home runs as a Gator. His first was a bit of a line drive over the right field fence, but his second was a towering shot that nearly cleared the batter’s eye in center field.

Surowiec transferred in from Ole Miss last offseason.

Florida Softball is still perfect

Not that it was much of a shock, but Florida remained perfect on Friday after run ruling two games to open the Florida Tournament. The Gators dispatched Longwood 10-0 and Middle Tennessee 8-0, both in five innings.

Taylor Shumaker had two home runs against Longwood and went a combined 3-5 with three walks betweent he two games. Leah Stevens got the start against Middle Tennessee and pitched a clean five innings, giving up just one hit.

Florida will take on Lindenwood and a rematch with Longwood on Saturday before wrapping up against Middle Tennessee on Sunday. After this weekend, Florida’s schedule starts to ramp up as the Gators will travel out west next week to take on UCLA, among others, as part of the Judi Garman Classic.