Brandon Neely credits Florida's team effort for his pitching success

The best closer of the college baseball postseason could very well be Florida’s Brandon Neely, who once again came through to secure a Gators victory against NC State in the College World Series on Monday.

So far this postseason, Neely has pitched 21 total innings, allowing just three total runs while striking out 32 vs. walking just six batters. But when asked about his scorching run of performances on the mound, Neely was magnanimous.

“It really comes down to team effort,” he said, “everyone stepping together, stepping up this postseason, and me having one of the best defenses behind me.”

Neely says he has the confidence to go right at each batter, because even if the ball is put in play, he knows he’s got some terrific fielders out there behind him.

“And being able to attack hitters and let my defense work — and knowing they’ll pick me up if I don’t do the best,” he added. “It’s definitely beneficial having a good defense behind me. Just how we’re playing together as a team is what it comes down to.”

Well, Florida’s team has looked like the best version of itself when Brandon Neely is out on the mound.

Kevin O’Sullivan reveals Tuesday starter

Florida plays once again with its life on the line Tuesday in an elimination game against Kentucky, who lost to Texas A&M as part of what is now an SEC-exclusive side of the bracket.

As for the starting pitcher in that contest, O’Sullivan is almost positive UF will go with Pierce Coppola.

“I’m sure we’re probably going to start Pierce,” O’Sullivan said after the NC State win. “That’s going to be the message tomorrow.”

Of course, as we get deeper and deeper into College World Series play, that bullpen is more and more empty, with coaches needing to walk the tightrope with how to deploy their arms. So, an effective start lasting well into the middle third of the game is crucial.

“We’re going to need some help,” added O’Sullivan. “We can’t afford — like today Cade (Fisher) helped us. We needed a performance like that. And it wasn’t perfect but he gave us some innings. The same thing is going to be said tomorrow.”

Fisher and Neely were a huge help when Florida two-way star Jac Caglianone didn’t last very long on the mound in his start vs. the Wolfpack. Kevin O’Sullivan is hoping for a longer run from Coppola vs. the Wildcats.