AP Sports Preview

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — Florida hosts Kentucky in an afternoon Southeastern Conference doubleheader Saturday, May 9, at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium. The Gators (32-17) and Wildcats (29-16) meet under a forecast of 82-degree heat with rain possible.

Florida took Friday’s series opener 3-1, but Kentucky answered with a 3-1 victory Saturday to even the series. The rubber match Sunday will determine the weekend winner.

Players to Watch

Kentucky shortstop Tyler Bell enters on a tear. Over his last six games, Bell is 11-for-23 (.478) with two home runs and six RBIs, including a 3-for-4, one-homer, two-RBI performance in Kentucky’s 9-10 loss to Tennessee on May 3.

Florida counters with right-hander Billy Barlow. The reliever has not allowed an earned run over his last 4.0 innings, striking out three. On Tuesday against North Florida, Barlow tossed 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing one hit with two strikeouts.

Recent Results

Kentucky (29-16) dropped a 10-9 decision to Tennessee on May 3, despite Bell’s 3-for-4, two-RBI effort. The Wildcats have lost three of their last four.

Florida (32-17) defeated North Florida 11-1 in seven innings on May 5. Barlow worked 3.0 scoreless frames, while first baseman Landon Stripling went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Florida victory, with the Gators holding a 54.4 percent win probability per the site’s ELO system.

Upcoming

Kentucky travels to Florida again Sunday, May 10, then hosts Northern Kentucky on May 12 before a three-game series with Arkansas beginning May 14. Florida remains home for Sunday’s series finale, then travels to LSU for a three-game set starting May 14.