GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators opened the 2025 baseball season hosting Air Force at Condron Family Ballpark. The Gators’ pitching staff stifled the Air Force bats while Florida pounded out 37 hits and 28 runs in three games.
With the season underway, here are 10 thoughts from Nick de la Torre after Opening Weekend.
1. Liam Peterson was every bit of the Friday Night starter Florida needs him to be
If you’re a Florida baseball fan who has followed me at all you’ve probably heard me say or have read this next sentence from me (substitute the name depending on the season. If the Florida Gators are going to be as good as they want to be, Liam Peterson needs to meet or exceed the expectations we have for him.
Peterson is good. When I asked two different coaches to make their best pitcher on staff (take someone’s fastball, someone’s off-speed, etc….) they both said, Liam Peterson. After I explained the exercise better, Peterson still was listed for his fastball (he was up to 97 in his start) and his off-speed.
Peterson’s “stuff” is exceptional. There were more than a baker’s dozen MLB scouts at his Friday night start. He’s got the physical tools to be an MLB pitcher, he had to do a lot of work in the offseason to improve the mental side of his game.
Yes, it was Air Force. The defending Mountain West Conference Champs lost a lot from last year’s club but Peterson went out on Friday and did what he needed to do.
READ: Liam Peterson answers your questions here.
