No. 7 Gators manhandle reeling Bulls

Seventh-ranked Florida drew a leadoff walk, followed with back-to-back homers by center fielder Jonathan Pigott and right fielder Preston Tucker and eventually overwhelmed the Bulls 18-8 in front of a record 2,517 fans at Red McEwen Field.

“It’s a learning process,” said sophomore Todd Brazeal. “Everybody has to go through it. We just have to stay positive.”

USF pitcher Kyle Parker was yanked after failing to retire any of the first four batters and was charged with four earned runs.

USF (17-20) has now lost four of its last five games as it heads into the weekend series against Big East foe Villanova (20-14, 2-10).

“We have to bounce back and have a good weekend,” Brazeal said. “That’s the only way to make it better.