DeLand, Fla. - On Sunday starting pitcher David Burns (Seminole, Fla.) gave the Hatters just what they needed to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Wildcats on Saturday. Burns tossed 7 2/3 quality innings and led Stetson (12-14) to an 11-5 win over Northwestern University (6-17); its third victory in the four-game series.
"I am proud of Burnsy today", said Stetson head coach Pete Dunn. "Today was a TBA. We started the series with today's starter being a TBA. We just didn't know how much we might have needed him out of the pen. He got the call and he stepped up and gave us a great outing. He did a great job."
In his eighth appearance and fourth start of the season Burns (3-2) allowed six hits and just two runs, while striking out four. He held the Wildcats down and let his offense take care of business.
Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) started the game in place of Jeff Simpson (Valrico, Fla.) who suffered a nasty gash on a finger in Saturday's game and will be out of the lineup for at least 10 days. Emory exploded out of a current down turn with some solid hitting. He was 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. Kurt Schluter (Jupiter, Fla.) also returned to form with two hits including his third home run of the season.
Also generating multiple hits for the home team were Mark Jones (Palm Coast, Fla.) who was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) who was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, and James Rasmussen (Tallahassee, Fla.) who was 2-for-4 with a double, and RBI and a run scored. Redshirt sophomore Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) blasted his team-leading sixth home run of the season.
Stetson opened the scoring with three runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Spencer Theisen (Longwood, Fla.) led off with a walk and moved to second with a sacrifice bunt by Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.). With two outs Schluter delivered Theisen with a single to left and then advanced to third on a double by Rasmussen. Both players crossed the plate after a rope single to left center by Emory.
After surrendering a pair of runs to the Wildcats in the top of the 3rd, the Hatters responded with four of their own in the bottom of the inning. The key hit of the rally was a two-RBI double down the right field line by Rickles. Rasmussen also picked up an RBI in the inning with a single through the left side.
After holding on to its 7-2 lead for three scoreless innings Stetson turned on the power game with back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 7th. With two outs Crews blasted an 0-1 fastball deep over the left field fence. Schluter ran the count to 3-1 before following suit with a line drive dinger of his own.
Stetson finished the day with 14 hits, and more importantly no errors. When the Hatters play solid defense they are in every game.
"It was a good win today", said Dunn. "After letting one get away yesterday we came out with some intensity. In order to keep our heads above water we need to come out and win the games we are supposed to win. We just need to keep grinding and earning wins with execution, defense and efficient hitting."
The Hatters return to Melching Field Tuesday night for a 6:30 p.m. game against USF. Stetson fans can catch the game on Hatter Vision by going to www.gohatters.com. The voice of Stetson baseball Bill Topping will call the action.
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