Erik Bakich downplays coaching matchup vs. Kevin O’Sullivan

Florida defeated Clemson 10-7 in Game 1 of the Clemson Super Regional on Saturday in a matchup between two coaches who know each other well in Kevin O’Sullivan and Erik Bakich.

The two head coaches worked together as assistants on Clemson’s coaching staff in the early 2000s where the two helped lead the Tigers to a Men’s College World Series appearance in 2002. Now, the duo are facing off for a chance to go back there. However, Bakich attached little importance to the pair’s previous relationship in regard to the series as a whole.

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“It’s just the opponent. Nameless, faceless. We had our pleasantries yesterday,” Bakich said postgame. “Nobody wants to hear about my relationship with Sully, neither do any of the other players. They’re just the team that’s in our way and, you know, we’ll just do a good job of getting back to the middle of tomorrow.

“They’re bummed out today because, you know, had had a tough inning and it ended up being the difference in the game, but I have no doubt that these guys will get back to the middle of tomorrow and do everything in their power to even this thing up.”

Florida came out on the winning end of things after Gators slugger Jac Caglianone hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning, his 32nd of the year. It was a pivotal blast that gave Florida a 5-4 edge, and the rest of the Gators’ offense piled on the runs from there.

The Tigers had been leading 4-2 heading into what turned into a seven-run fifth inning for the Gators. Clemson hopped out to the 3-0 lead to begin the game, but even after Florida broke the game free it seemed as though the Tigers didn’t panic.

Of course, Clemson has 25 comeback wins this season — and despite trailing 9-4 after the fifth inning, they managed to outscore the Gators 3-1 for the rest of the game. While it wasn’t enough to erase the damage done by Caglianone and company in that inning, it does breed hope that Clemson can keep their offense rolling heading into Sunday’s Game 2.

Now facing elimination, the first pitch between the Gators and Tigers is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN. Florida advances to the Men’s College World Series with a victory, while a Clemson win forces a winner-takes-all Game 3.