For Moss, A Long Road Leads To Success

HOOVER, Ala.—Sidelined for his first two seasons at Florida by Tommy John surgery, lefthander Scott Moss was finally able to return to action this spring. But the road back from surgery is a long one, and the redshirt sophomore recorded just two outs in four appearances in Southeastern Conference games during the regular season for the fourth-ranked Gators.

Moss remained in Florida’s plans, however. When Florida advanced to the SEC tournament semifinals having already used weekend rotation regulars A.J. Puk and Alex Faedo, as well as freshman Brady Singer, coach Kevin O’Sullivan called on Moss to start Saturday against No. 7 Louisiana State with a trip to the championship game on the line.

Moss, making his first appearance since May 10, rewarded O’Sullivan’s faith. LSU led the SEC in hitting in conference play this season, but for six innings Saturday, the Tigers were overmatched. Moss held them to three hits, walked none and struck out seven.

Florida scratched out a run in the bottom of the sixth and its bullpen completed the 1-0 shutout. Moss earned the victory, his third of the season, and Florida advanced to play No. 1 Texas A&M in the championship game Sunday.

“I think, for him, it has been a long road,” O’Sullivan said. “This is an outing he will never forget. It has been very difficult for him. There are a lot of lonely days in that training room. Certainly, he has never been forgotten, but sometime there have been some long days.

“For him to have this opportunity, and to do what he did against LSU, it’s a memory he will never forget.”

Moss came out attacking hitters with his fastball that sat in the low 90s and topped out at 95 mph. His sharp slider elicited several swings and misses, helping him to a career high for strikeouts.

Perhaps most importantly, Moss was able to locate his fastball. His control had not been consistent this spring, as he had walked eight batters in 16 1/3 innings coming into the game.

Because he was throwing so many strikes, Moss was able to make the most of his pitch count. O’Sullivan said he was limited to about 70 pitches, and Moss threw 71 to get through six innings—doubling what had been his previous career high for innings.

Moss said he still felt good at the end of his outing.

“I felt like I could go all nine,” Moss said. “My arm has never been healthier. Every pitch I was throwing was honestly better than my high school stuff. I think I have progressed enough to start any game and continue all nine innings.”

While it was just one start, Moss’ performance is an encouraging sign going into the NCAA tournament. The depth of the Gators’ staff affords O’Sullivan plenty of options, but a team can never have enough pitching.

The game also will benefit Moss’ draft stock. Scouts haven’t had many opportunities to see him this spring, but he still had a chance to go in the top 10 rounds before Saturday. After the game, LSU coach Paul Mainieri said Moss looked like a top-three-round pick.

Moss’ draft status may come down to his signability, as he will have two more years of eligibility following this season, allotting him with more chances to showcase his talent. But even in limited looks, a pitcher listed at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and throwing in the low-to-mid 90s is sure to have suitors.

Where Saturday’s start takes Moss remains to be seen. But after a long rehab process from surgery and a spring of trying to get back on track, the lefthander answered the challenge against LSU and showed his great potential.

“It was a big outing for him for a lot of reasons—from a team perspective, for his role moving forward, for the draft, and let’s be honest, it was a big day for him,” O’Sullivan said. “I’m proud of him. He has been a great teammate.”