Four Gators Selected to All-SEC Teams

The Gator baseball team saw seven of its players honored after helping UF return to the baseball postseason for the first time in three years. Four Gators were recognized by the league’s coaches for the All-SEC teams.

Three Gators – second baseman Josh Adams, outfielder Matt den Dekker and right-handed pitcher Patrick Keating were all selected to the first team.

Freshman Josh Adams became the first Gator rookie in 17 years to earn first team honors. He was also selected to the All-Freshmen team. Adams started 53 games and led the Gators with a .561 slugging percentage. He also led the team in doubles with 17 and finished second with a .343 batting average and belted eight home runs.

Sophomore Matt den Dekker led the Gators posted a .351 average against SEC competition. He was a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen bases and finished second on the squad with 24 RBI in league contests. den Dekker also was selected to the All-Defensive team after committing just one error.

Junior Patrick Keating was the Gators’ regular Sunday pitcher and led the team with 12 starts. He was an impressive 7-0 against SEC teams with a 3.28 ERA. Keating finished the year 8-0 with a 3.15 ERA while striking out 48 batters in 74.1 innings.

Junior outfielder Avery Barnes was selected to the second team after posting big numbers against SEC competition. Barnes hit .355 with 32 runs, 12 stolen bases and 11 RBI. On the year, Barnes led Florida in batting average, on-base percentage, hits, runs, stolen bases and sacrifice hits.

The three first team selections were the most since 1991. Florida kicks off SEC Tournament play on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Questions or comments? Contact FightinGators.com's Chris Chmielenski