DeLand, Fla. - Stetson completed a series sweep, ran its current win streak to five games, and evened up its record at 8-8 with a 9-2 victory over Old Dominion (9-9) Sunday at Melching Field. The Hatters now have two games remaining before they begin Atlantic Sun Conference play on Friday against Florida Gulf Coast.
Kyle Maulbetsch (Jacksonville, Fla.) took the mound and delivered his fourth quality start in four opportunities this season. He threw 82 pitches over seven complete innings and allowed just one run on three hits while striking out eight Monarchs. Maulbetsch lowered his ERA to 3.22 and improved to 2-2 in 2010.
"We had another outstanding pitching performance today. Maulbetsch went out there and continued to pitch well on Sunday. We are certainly pleased with that", said Stetson head coach Pete Dunn.
For the third game in a row freshman Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) took a lead role in dismantling Old Dominion. He was 3-for-5 at the plate with a home run, two doubles, three RBI and a pair of runs scored. He finished the three-game set 7-for-13 with three home runs, two doubles, seven RBI and six runs scored.
"We knew when we recruited him that this was what we were going to get. He [Lashley] is really swinging the bat well", said Dunn. "But, he is going to get better. As he gets a little more patient and more disciplined at the plate it is scary to think what he will be able to do. And, he has been playing some great defense as well."
Four other Hatters had multiple hits on the day as the team pounded out a total of 15 that included seven doubles. Freshman Kurt Schluter (Jupiter, Fla.) was 2-for-4 with a double and three runs scored. Sophomore Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) continued his hot hitting of late going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Sophomore catcher Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) finished 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored and sophomore Mark Jones (Palm Coast, Fla.) was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.
"We swung the bats well today. I am certainly pleased with the entire week. To follow a losing streak with a five-game winning streak is huge", said Dunn. "We dug ourselves into a hole but we've clawed our way back out. Now we just need to gets some runs going, build the record, and get some W's under our belt. We can't get complacent; we have to keep building on that."
Next up for Stetson is a short trip to Daytona Beach Tuesday for a 6:00 p.m. game at Bethune-Cookman. On Wednesday the Hatters return to Melching Field for a 6:30 p.m. game against UCF. Stetson fans can catch the games on Hatter Vision by going to www.gohatters.com. The voice of Stetson baseball Bill Topping will call the action.
