DeLand, Fla. - Stetson (11-14) committed four errors leading to four unearned runs and a 9-7 win for visiting Northwestern University (6-16) Saturday on Melching Field. The Hatters now lead the series 2-1 with a final game still to be played Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
Stetson starting pitcher Kyle Maulbetsch (Jacksonville, Fla.) allowed nine runs, five earned, walked three and struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of work. He is now 2-3 on the season. Reliever Nick Bohne (Melbourne, Fla.) pitched very well giving up just one hit and striking out three Wildcats over 5 2/3 innings. Northwestern's Eric Jokisch (Virginia, Ill.) pitched five innings and picked up his first win of the season against four losses.
Offensively Mark Jones (Palm Coast, Fla.) delivered four hits for the second consecutive game. He was 4-for-4 with a double, triple, three runs scored and two RBI. Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) each finished with a pair of hits for the home team. Rickles was 2-for-5 with three RBI and Lashley finished with two singles in five at bats.
Jeff Simpson (Valrico, Fla.) extended his hitting streak to 20 games with a single in the 3rd inning before leaving the game with an injured hand during an ensuing at bat.
The Hatters and Wildcats will return to Melching Field one more time on Sunday at noon to play game four of the series. 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.
