The Florida Gators are heating up at just the right time. Holding a five-game win streak, including a statement win over No. 9 Florida State and a dominant sweep of Missouri, Florida opens a pivotal SEC road series against Mississippi State on Friday night.
With just 15 conference games remaining, the Gators (25-14, 4-11 SEC) are finding their way back into NCAA Tournament contention. To keep that momentum alive, they’ll need a strong showing in Starkville against a Bulldogs squad also hungry for a postseason bid.
Liam Peterson Headlines Florida Baseball Game Today
Friday night’s opener belongs to sophomore right-hander Liam Peterson, who enters the series at 5-2 with a 3.63 ERA. He’s been one of Florida’s most consistent arms this season and will be crucial in silencing a Mississippi State offense averaging 7.35 runs per game.
Behind Peterson, Cade Kurland continues to spark the Gators at the plate. The sophomore infielder is coming off a huge week that included multiple home runs and a key performance against Missouri. With Florida’s offense clicking and pitching settling in, tonight’s matchup offers a chance to set the tone for the weekend.
How to Watch Florida vs. Mississippi State
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Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
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Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
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Location: Dudy Noble Field, Starkville, Miss.
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Stadium/Venue: Dudy Noble Field
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TV Channel: SEC Network
Florida vs. Mississippi State Betting Preview
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Moneyline: Florida +135/Mississippi State −175
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Total Runs:
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Over 10.5 (−115)
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Under 10.5 (−115)
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Spread:
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Florida +1.5 (−120)
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Mississippi State −1.5 (−110)
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Mississippi State is the betting favorite at home, but Florida’s recent momentum may provide sneaky value on the Gators’ side of the line.
Florida vs. Mississippi State Bats to Watch
Ace Reece leads Mississippi State with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs, and he’s been a force in the middle of the Bulldogs’ lineup. Meanwhile, Noah Sullivan brings balance with a .352 average and solid contact ability.
For the Gators, Ty Evans and Colby Shelton continue to be consistent threats. Both players have helped Florida generate offensive fireworks during their win streak, giving them a fighting chance against Mississippi State’s pitching staff.
Florida vs. Mississippi State Pitchers to Watch
Friday’s matchup features two solid arms: RHP Liam Peterson (5-2, 3.63 ERA) for Florida and LHP Pico Kohn (4-1, 3.26 ERA) for Mississippi State. Peterson has been excellent at working deep into games and limiting damage, while Kohn brings a crafty left-handed approach that could neutralize Florida’s lefty-heavy lineup.
On Saturday, Aidan King (4-1, 2.68 ERA) takes the mound for the Gators, matching up against RHP Evan Siary (0-1, 3.91 ERA). Sunday’s starter for Florida remains TBA, while the Bulldogs will counter with Karson Ligon (3-4, 5.13 ERA).
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Florida’s path to the postseason runs straight through Starkville. If the Gators want to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, it starts with a strong showing tonight under the lights. With Peterson on the mound and the bats coming alive, Florida has a golden opportunity to extend its win streak and prove it’s still a contender in the SEC.
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