JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida stays in Jacksonville and hosts their first midweek game of the season, welcoming FAMU to Harmon Stadium. UNF has played three total midweek games this season, each game being played away from Jacksonville. The Tuesday matchup will be the final tune up for both the Ospreys and Rattlers as both ASUN and SWAC Conference play begins this weekend.
Last Time Out
UNF split a doubleheader with Alabama State, but ultimately won the series thanks to a Friday win. Cade Bush cracked a clutch two-run single to give the Ospreys a late lead in the first game of the doubleheader. Kaden Humphrey closed out the ninth to secure a series win. In game two, UNF North Florida fell behind early and could not recover. Despite the loss, Connor Witherington launched his first collegiate home run.
Scouting FAMU
The Rattlers are sitting at 6-10, but are coming off a series win against West Georgia. The weekend series against West Georgia was the first series win of the 2025 campaign for FAMU. Broedy Poppel has been the most well rounded hitter so far this season for FAMU. His on-base percentage is among the best on the team and he has low strikeout numbers. Caleb Granger has been impressive on the mound. He leads the pitching staff in most statistical categories and has been able to neutralize some tough hitters this season.
"Ring 'Em Up" Ross
Will Ross has been a consistent starter this season for head coach Joe Mercadante and currently has the fifth lowest ERA in the ASUN conference. In his most recent start, Ross tossed seven innings of one-run ball against Alabama State. His performance was good enough to secure his second win of the season. The most drastic change from 2024 to 2025 has been his strikeout numbers. Ross punched out nine batters in 19 innings last year. In 21.1 innings this season, the Winter Garden, Fla. native has struck out 20.
Collins In The Clutch
Mitchell Collins put together a strong week for North Florida. The UNF shortstop started all four games last week and hit .500 for the team. He drove in five runs, recorded four extra-base hits, and clubbed his first home run as an Osprey. His batting average jumped from .269 to .333 during the four-game stretch.
Series History
North Florida and FAMU have met 34 times prior to tomorrow's matchup. UNF has won 31 out of 34 games in program history against the Rattlers, including a 13-3 win in Tallahassee earlier this season. UNF run-ruled FAMU back on February 18, a game that included two home runs from Carter White and one from Seth Alford. North Florida has never lost a game against the Rattlers at Harmon Stadium. The 'Spreys are a perfect 19-0 in Jacksonville.
Starting Pitchers
Tuesday - RHP Jesus Campa vs RHP Clay Hendry
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. UNF will broadcast the midweek matchup on ESPN+ and updates will be made through live stats, as well as on X/Twitter at @OspreyBSB and Instagram at @OspreysBSB.
