Florida had a 16-0 lead by the end of the third inning and coasted to a 17-3 win over Manhattan on the first day of the NCAA Tournament. Up next, the Gators face Miami on Saturday at 4 p.m. (ESPNU).
The Gators (46-16) rocked starting pitcher John Soldinger for five runs on five hits in the first inning. They led 9-0 after the second inning and 16-0 through three.
In the first two innings, Florida sent 19 hitters to plate. Soldinger (10-3) pitched into the third inning, faced 26 batters and allowed 15 earned runs on 16 hits. His season ERA jumped from 2.34 to 3.57.
Gators starter Karsten Whitson dominated for 3 1/3 innings before coach Kevin O’Sullivan rested him. Whitson gave up two hits and struck out three before reliever Keenan Kish entered.
In the top of the second inning, Florida right fielder Preston Tucker and catcher Mike Zunino hit back-to-back home runs. Tucker added another homer the next inning.
The Hurricanes (37-21) beat Jacksonville 7-2 earlier today.
Florida, which has won nine of its past 10 games against the Hurricanes. The Gators swept Miami at McKethan Stadium in March.
Florida has two injury concerns as it continues in the regional. Brian Johnson, a sophomore starting pitcher who also plays first base, remains doubtful as a recovers from a concussion he suffered last weekend. Austin Maddox, an infielder and closer, left Saturday’s game in the third inning with a sprained left foot.