Box Score Jacksonville, Fla.- An impressive offensive outburst propelled Stetson to a 22-8 road win over Atlantic Sun rival Jacksonville Saturday afternoon. The Hatters scored seven runs in the first inning and came up with 24 hits in the game to raise their record to 6-11 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Jacksonville fell to 8-7 overall and 2-3 in the A-Sun.
Stetson Starting pitcher Ryan Sweat (DeBary, Fla.) threw five complete innings giving up two runs (one earned) and striking out one batter to even his record at 1-1 on the season. Fellow freshman Robbie Powell (Punta Gorda, Fla.) finished the game with 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball and three strike outs to earn his first career save.
It was an all around team effort for Stetson. In the game 12 of the 14 batters the Hatters sent to the batter's box delivered at least one base hit. Four players picked up a trio of hits, including the catching duo of Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Joe Castellanos (Brandon, Fla.). Rickles was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI before giving way to Castellanos behind the dish. Castellanos responded with a 3-for-3 effort that included a double and two runs scored.
The day after picking up a win over the Dolphins in the series opener, Stetson pitcher Robby Donovan (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) was rewarded with a start as the designated hitter. He proved his value as a two-way threat with an RBI double in the first inning. When JU went to a right handed pitcher Aaron Crittenden (Fort Myers, Fla.), the team's everyday DH returned to the lineup and produced a 3-for-3 effort with three RBI and three runs scored. The highlight was a 6th inning home run, his first of the season.
The fourth Hatter to produce three hits in the game was leadoff hitter Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) who was 3-for-6 with three runs scored and an RBI. One of his hits was the direct result of outstanding effort and hustle. After dropping a bunt towards the first baseman he scrambled down the line with everything he had and vaulted himself head first into the bag with a perfect slide to beat the tag.
Hard to believe, but almost lost in Stetson's offensive onslaught was a 5th inning bases loaded bomb by Jeremy Cruz (Miami, Fla.) that landed half way to DeLand. It was his third home run of the week and fifth of the season. It was also the second grand slam for the Hatters in the series as Casey Frawley (New Haven, Ct.) also accomplished the feat last night. Cruz was 2-for-4 in the game with four RBI and two runs scored. After a slow start, Cruz has now raised his batting average to .323 on the season.
After today's game Stetson has a three-game winning streak and has boosted its team batting average to.301. The Hatters are also getting close to the top of the A-Sun conference in team ERA at 5.73.
The Hatters and Dolphins will return to Sessions Stadium Sunday for the final game of the series at 1:00 p.m. Stetson fans can hear all the games on Hatter Vision found at www.gohatters.com. The voice of Hatters baseball Bill Topping will call the action.
After another game at Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday (3/17), Stetson will be back home next week for a single game against Indiana on Wednesday, March 18. Tickets for all Stetson home games can be purchased on line at gohatters.com or at the gate on game day.
