Cincinnati baseball heads on a road trip to Florida for series with No. 7 Gators

In the non-conference portion of their final American Athletic Conference season, the University of Cincinnati's baseball team spent last weekend in Atlanta, splitting a series with Georgia State.

The Bearcats lost to the Panthers 12-2, then had wins of 9-4 on Saturday and 6-4 last Sunday. In between was a 3-2 game that was scored a double forfeit when the two teams had a shoving incident after UC turned an inning-ending double play.

Coach Scott Googins spoke to local media Tuesday at Fifth Third Arena about the opening weekend and what it means to face the No. 7 team in the country this weekend. After the split with Georgia State, who won 30 games last year, they now go to Gainesville hoping to take a chomp out of the Gators who put 42 in the win column a year ago.

More:Ex-Mason, Badin players among locals to deliver for UC baseball as season starts Friday

"It's going to be another good test for our guys," Googins said. "Our theme this year has been 'hit the reset button.' Not only in the American, but to be ready for the Big 12. It's getting back to being Bearcat baseball."

Florida was eliminated in an NCAA Regional last June by Oklahoma of the Big 12. The Sooners finished as NCAA runners-up to 2022 champion Ole Miss.

What to expect from Florida's Gators.

With a roster full of several Greater Cincinnati players, the Bearcats have their work cut out for them. The Gators were undefeated in three games heading to a mid-week series against South Florida. They are currently ranked No. 7.

"This (past) weekend really prepared us for this upcoming weekend," Googins said. "Georgia State's a really good ballclub. They have almost all of their guys, It really was a good test for us."

Which locals saw action vs. Georgia State?

St. Henry lefty Alex Shea got the win in relief last Saturday going three innings and striking out four. In the forfeited game, Mason's Brenden Garula made his debut with 1.1 scoreless innings. Jackson Murphy, formerly of Clark Montessori, was 1-1 on the weekend, earning the Sunday win. He had four strikeouts in three total innings. Grad student Nick McClanahan from Ryle threw a scoreless inning.

Also getting in work on the bump in the first weekend were former Badin pitcher Chase Hopewell and Loveland's Zach Segal.

In the field, Landyn Vidourek of Badin, Elder's Kory Klingenbeck and Lauden Brooks of McNicholas by way of Texas Tech made their Bearcat debuts. Vidourek was 1-for-3 Sunday with a walk and a run scored. Catcher Klingenbeck was 2-for-7 with an RBI and three stolen bases and Brooks was 2-for-9 while driving in a pair of runs.

Mason's Cole Harting started three games and drove in a run and his former Comet teammate J.P. Sponseller started two games as the designated hitter. Former Badin outfielder Josh Hegemann also had a pair of starts.

"It's a top priority in our recruiting, to keep the good local talent here," Googins said. "Cincinnati has great high school baseball, and amateur baseball. We're trying to keep the best players here. We feel that we've got a good product. The more we keep those local people here, the better I think the program's going to be."

Who stood out?

Redshirt junior infielder Ryan Nicholson had the best weekend at the plate going 6-for-13 with a homer and a pair of RBI. He hit .462 in four games while native Floridian Griffin Hugus also belted a ball out and hit .429 going 3-for-7 in two starts. Nicholson was recognized in the AAC's first honor roll this week for his hitting at Georgia State.

"You just don't want to put pressure on him," Googins said. "He's going to carry the team, but he doesn't have to carry the team. Sometimes when you put guys in that role with expectations, they try to do more than they should. He's going to be a big part of our success this year."

On the mound, captain Garrett Harker threw five innings allowing five hits and striking out seven in the 12-2 opener where 11 of Georgia State's runs came in the final two frames. Freshman Chase Horst allowed just two hits and struck out five in UC's opening victory.

"I think the biggest strength we have is our depth," Googins said. "We have some more options this year. I think we'll hit our fair share of home runs but we can manufacture some runs with some small-ball, hit and runs. I also think our pitching is going to be one of our strengths."

Coach Googins's thoughts about a bat flip should UC beat Florida

"We try not to but emotion happens," Googins said. "I want them to have fun out there. I want them to respect the game, respect the opponents. If it happens, we'll talk about it. It's a coachable moment. But, if we beat'em. That's good!"

What a Bearcat win at Florida would mean

Well, it would be a first. UC has played three games against the Gators, all between Feb. 10-12, 2006. Florida won all three in decisive fashion, 10-0, 10-4 and 20-4. If you want to watch the weekend series in Gainesville, ESPN's SEC Network will carry the games. For the rest of the season, many UC games will be available via ESPN+.

What's ahead?

The Bearcats open up at the UC Baseball Stadium Wednesday, March 1, against Miami's RedHawks. That's followed up over the weekend with five scheduled games against North Alabama (one Friday, March 3, then doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6). The Bearcats are chasing their first winning season since 2021 and their first NCAA postseason action since appearing in the Corvallis Regional in 2019 and knocking off the top-seeded Beavers.

What to see at UC Baseball Stadium

The season tickets for 25 games are just $50 or a couple of bucks per game if you want to break it down. That's a far cry from Florida's cheapest season ticket priced at $200. Also, changes are coming related to the Big 12.

"Hopefully we can bottle some of this (good) weather," Googins said. "I think ($50) is a bargain. We put a good product out there and I think this year fans will be really pleased to see Bearcat baseball."

A new video board is coming to prepare for the Big 12 and help with the in-game environment.

"The university is making a big commitment to baseball," Googins said. "We're doing new turf this summer and a new fence. I think it all enhances the game day experience and kind of the shine on the stadium."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC Bearcat baseball has tall order this weekend vs. No. 7 Florida