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Brandon Sproat will open the Gainesville Regional for the Gators

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•06/02/22•

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Photo courtesy of UF Comunications

In past years Kevin O’Sullivan has opted to save his ace when hosting a Regional. When the Gators host, they play the four seed, which typically can be an easier win. While the two and three seeds throw their best pitchers in an attempt to stay out of the loser’s bracket, it would give the host a chance to have an advantage on the mound assuming a win in the one vs. four matchup.

There will be no assuming for Sully in 2022.

Brandon Sproat will get the start Friday against Central Michigan.

“I actually thought about it briefly on Monday. I just don’t think we’re in a spot, after watching Central Michigan, they’re certainly capable. They’re throwing their No. 1,” Kevin O’Sullivan said. “They went on a run last year in the Notre Dame Regional. I don’t think, at this point in the season with where we’re at, I think Brandon gives is the best chance to win tomorrow night.” 

He’s coming off of the best start of his career. Sproat lasted 8.1 innings and gave up one lone run in an elimination game against South Carolina. Sproat didn’t earn the win, but gave the Gators every chance to win.

Sproat takes over the ace role

The Gators opening day ace Hunter Barco announced he would need Tommy John surgery prior to the Gators’ weekend series against No. 1 Tennessee. The Gators turned to Sproat as their new ace. Sproat hadn’t begun the year the way he would have liked. He was not part of Florida’s original weekend rotation. He had a gem of a game starting on the weekend against Miami but entered the Tennessee weekend with a 4-3 record. Sproat lasted six innings, allowed just three runs, but earned the loss to drop to 4-4.

Since that weekend he’s been nails.

Sproat is 4-0 with a 1.65 ERA in his last five starts for the Gators. He’s thrown 35.2 innings, allowing 22 hits, eight runs, six earned, walked nine, and struck out 27 in that stretch.

What they’re saying about Sproat

The third-year sophomore has been steadily rising up MLB Draft boards. Since taking over on Friday nights, Sproat has pitched his best for the Gators. MLB.com had this to say about the righty.

“One of the most intriguing pitchers in the Draft, Sproat has a big-time arm but a limited performance track record. He turned in one of his best outings of the season against South Carolina in Hoover, though. Sproat allowed a run on four hits over 8 1/3 innings, striking out seven against one walk. He had not lasted more than 6 2/3 innings in any previous start and had walked multiple batters in seven of his previous 10 starts.”

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