The Southeastern Conference rescheduled the SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup between the Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide to Thursday afternoon, May 21, 2026, to avoid forecasted inclement weather.
The game will now start at approximately 4:30 p. m.
ET in Hoover, Alabama, instead of the originally scheduled 8:00 p. m.
ET.
Fifth-seeded Florida will face fourth-seeded Alabama following the opening game between Georgia and Mississippi State.
Florida enters the quarterfinals after an 8-3 victory over Vanderbilt and seeks redemption after being swept by Alabama during the regular season.
Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan announced that right-hander Liam Peterson will start on the mound.
Alabama is expected to counter with ace Tyler Fay, who threw a no-hitter against the Gators earlier this season.
The regular-season sweep included that no-hitter on March 20 and a 14-7 defeat on March 22, marking the only time Florida was swept this year.
"I would expect it to be a very competitive game," said O'Sullivan.
The coach noted that the team has moved past those earlier losses to focus entirely on the upcoming matchup.
"I've truly tried to put that series in the back of my mind.
So no matter how hard you try, I'm not going to reflect back on it," said O'Sullivan.
During the previous round against Vanderbilt, Florida successfully utilized the Automated Ball-Strike system, going a perfect 3-for-3 on challenges initiated by catcher Karson Bowen.
"I don't think it could be stated enough about having an older catcher with maturity behind the plate.
He gives us so much more than just good play day in and day out," said O'Sullivan.
O'Sullivan praised Bowen's leadership and strategic game-calling ability, which has earned the coaching staff's complete trust.
"His leadership -- I mean, he's calling the games for the most part.
And for me to be able to give him that confidence, tells you everything that you need to know about him," said O'Sullivan.
The manager also outlined strict guidelines for the roster regarding the challenge process, limiting requests to critical game situations.
"If we've got two outs, nobody on first, it's a questionable call, that's not the time to do it," said O'Sullivan.
He emphasized that strategic clarity and being a supportive teammate remain the primary focus when deciding to challenge a pitch.
"Now we've got runners in scoring position, and you feel firmly about it, that's fine. No one is going to get upset if you're wrong," said O'Sullivan.
The guidelines encourage players to use discretion to gain a clear base-running advantage late in tight contests.
"If you're down a run in the eighth and it's a 3-2 count and it's close and you feel like you have an opportunity to get on base to start an inning, that's fine, but the best thing (Tommy Slater) said to me and to the team was just be a good teammate, and when you make decisions, make them with some clarity," said O'Sullivan.
The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to the SEC Tournament Semifinals on Friday at 1:00 p.
m. ET.
