Florida Gators Gear Up for Thrilling Home Series Against Missouri Tigers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The excitement is palpable as the Florida Gators prepare to welcome the Missouri Tigers to Condron Family Ballpark for an intense three-game Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown starting this Thursday.
Series Schedule
Mark your calendars! The series kicks off on Thursday at 7 p.m. on SEC Network. Fans will also want to tune in on Friday at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+, with the final game set for Saturday at 5 p.m. on SEC Network.
A Battle of Under Pressure Teams
Both the Gators (21-14, 1-11 SEC) and the Tigers (12-20, 0-12 SEC) enter this weekend looking for redemption after experiencing sweeps in their most recent home series. Historically, Florida has dominated Missouri, boasting a 31-8 all-time record against the Tigers, including an astonishing 19-1 record at home. The Gators are riding a 15-game home winning streak against Missouri and are 26-7 overall under the leadership of head coach Kevin O’Sullivan.
Pitching Matchups
| Day | Time | Missouri Pitcher | Florida Pitcher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 7 p.m. | LHP Brady Kehlenbrink (0-2, 9.64 ERA) | RHP Liam Peterson (4-2, 3.63 ERA) |
| Friday | 6:30 p.m. | RHP Kaden Jacobi (2-4, 9.93 ERA) | RHP Aidan King (3-1, 3.12 ERA) |
| Saturday | 5 p.m. | TBA | TBA |
Links for Viewing and Listening:
Series Promotions and Food Trucks
Don’t miss out on the fun!
- Thursday: The first 1,000 fans will receive Florida Baseball dad hats.
- Friday: The first 500 UF students can pick up stylish three-quarters sleeve Florida Baseball shirts.
For foodies, there will be food trucks in the Dizney Grove area beyond the outfield wall:
- Thursday: Cilantro Tacos & Domi Ice
- Friday: Sweet Meat & Tough Guy Cookies
- Saturday: Kona Ice & V Pizza
Last Time on the Diamond
The Gators are coming off a thrilling 5-4 victory against No. 9 Florida State in a midweek clash, marking their seventh season series victory over FSU in the last eight meetings. This win elevates Florida’s record to 20-3 in non-conference play and showcases their resilience, having driven in four of their five runs with two outs.
National Rankings Snapshot
As of April 2025, the Gators rank among the top 50 teams nationwide in nine statistical categories:
- 6th in strikeouts per nine innings (11.8)
- 11th in fielding percentage (.981)
- 22nd in home runs (53)
A Fortress in Gainesville
The Condron Family Ballpark has become a haven for the Gators this season, where they boast a remarkable 17 victories out of 21 wins at home. Florida hitters are putting on a show, with an impressive .319 batting average, 40 homers, and averaging 8.2 runs per game over their home games.
Players to Watch
Luke Heyman
Catcher Luke Heyman is currently the Gators’ star player in SEC play, showcasing a stellar .386/.449/.750 batting line. He consistently ranks high defensively in the SEC as well with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Colby Shelton
Shortstop Colby Shelton leads the SEC with 15 doubles and has recorded 18 multi-hit games this season, making him a crucial element in Florida’s lineup.
Both players contribute significantly to Florida’s offensive powerhouse, responsible for over 75% of the Gators’ home runs.
Keys to Success
With 50 stolen bases in 59 attempts, the Gators have significantly improved their base running game. Their aggressive style on the basepaths adds an extra layer of excitement to their gameplay.
Ticket Information
Want to be part of the action? Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently available. Purchase online or contact the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683.
Mobile Ticketing
Remember, mobile ticketing is mandatory for entry. Fans can access their tickets through the Florida Gators app or the official FloridaGators.com website.
Upcoming Games
Following the series against Missouri, the Gators will host Stetson on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on the electrifying action!
Follow the Gators!
Stay updated with all the latest from the Gators by following them on social media:
#GoGators
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of baseball!
