Lawson, Strayer talk offensive explosion vs. South Carolina

Florida made a statement on opening weekend in SEC play with a dominant sweep of South Carolina, completed by a run-rule victory Sunday.

After two tightly contested games to start the series, the Gators’ offense broke through in the finale. A grand slam from Cash Strayer highlighted the offensive explosion as Florida finished off the Gamecocks and secured the three-game sweep.

For a team coming off a frustrating weekend against High Point, the response was necessary and welcome. Florida showed both resilience and maturity, quickly turning the page and re-establishing itself as one of the top teams in the country.

Players pointed to the team’s preparation, experience and confidence as key factors in bouncing back and handling the emotions of SEC competition.

Here's what Lawson and Strayer said after the game.

Brendan Lawson on his reaction after the at-bat and the warnings

“Yeah, I was just looking for something out over, just trying to see something up, and just reacted inside and put a good swing on the ball. I got a little excited.'

What happened when you crossed home plate?

"When I crossed home plate, I didn’t really know what was going on. I just went back into the dugout, and Sully said, ‘Hey, we both have warnings now.’ So it was just like, settle down from here.”

Lawson on the energy between the teams

“I think everyone is fired up. We've had some competitive games, so there’s a lot of energy coming from both sides.”

Lawson on drawing walks and pitchers working around him

“No, honestly, if anything, I see it as a bit of a compliment. I’ll take my walks all day. That’s kind of the player I’ve always been. I like to see a lot of pitches and kind of wear guys out. Any way I can get to first base — walk, hit by pitch — everything’s all good.”

Lawson on Kevin O’Sullivan calling him one of the program’s best hitters

“That means a lot. I mean, he’s seen some pretty good players. Even the guys I watched when I committed — like Cags and Wyatt — seeing those guys hit. For him to say that means a lot to me.”

Lawson on sweeping South Carolina

"I think it says a lot. As he probably said, it’s really hard to sweep any team in the SEC. Often, as he’s told us, at the end of the year, it comes down to that one game when you’re looking at the overall record. So to put them away on the last day, and with a little emphasis on the mercy rule, I think that was huge for us.”

Lawson on the team’s maturity

“A lot of guys are in here early, getting swings late after practice. It slows the game down for everyone. When we get in the box, or guys get on the mound, it kind of just feels like second nature.”

Lawson on Colton Schwarz’s defense at second base

"We all noticed it right away when he got to campus. He’s got smooth hands, quick feet and he seems really calm out there. It’s fun to watch him field the ball and hit the ball as well.”

Lawson on the offensive approach Sunday

“We were maybe a little more simple today. Maybe we were a little excited for the start of SEC play the first couple days. Guys were coming out of their swings a bit and maybe not seeing as many pitches as they could. Everyone seemed a little more relaxed today, and we came out aggressive."

Lawson on Cooper Walls’ start

“I thought he did a really good job. Especially with runners on, he’s so quick to the plate and does a really good job of holding runners. It kind of gives hitters fits. He’s like 1.1 or even faster to the plate. Even after he gave up that home run, he wasn’t really fazed, which is great to see.”

Lawson on Luke McNeillie finishing the game

“Yeah, he’s just really poised, just like Coop. Slow heart rate, and he got it done for us.”

Cash Strayer on the grand slam

“I was looking to hit something out in front and get a sac fly, honestly, and do my job. That one just got out of the park.”

Strayer on his strong weekend

“It’s been great, especially after the tough weekend against High Point. It’s been great for my confidence and just for the team.”

Strayer realized he hit a grand slam and won someone a car

“I got back in the dugout. I always knew it was a thing because I asked someone, ‘Has anyone done that before?’They were like, ‘Yeah, Cade actually did it a couple years ago or something.’ I didn’t realize it was the fourth inning. I got back in the dugout and was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I knew it was a thing, but it didn’t hit me until I got back in there.”

Strayer on bouncing back after the High Point series

“There was never any panic in the locker room after the High Point series. We know we’re a great team. We knew it was just a tough weekend, and we knew we were going to bounce back.”

Strayer on playing in the SEC

“It’s the same game. Just keep playing it the same way. Nothing really changes. It’s a little more competitive, but that’s what you’ve got to love.”

Strayer on the team’s maturity after the warnings

“I’d say there’s a lot of baseball experience on the team. A lot of the older guys lead us and show us how to play the game the right way and keep your emotions to yourself. When they come out, they come out. But as a team, we’re really mature.”

Strayer on the offense breaking through Sunday

"It was always there. Friday and Saturday were tough days to hit with the wind. Anything in the air was getting caught. We know we’re a great hitting team, and it’s just a flip of a switch.”

Strayer on seeing the wind blowing out

“It’s definitely nice getting to the field and seeing the flags going the other way because you know the ball is going to be leaving the park, which you all saw today.”

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida baseball quotes Brendan Lawson, Cash Strayer vs South Carolina