DeLand, Fla. - Stetson (16-14, 4-2 A-Sun) took both ends of Saturday's doubleheader and swept the three-game series from the visiting Campbell Fighting Camels (17-12, 4-8 A-Sun). The Hatters scored a late run to take the afternoon game 4-3 and then jumped out to an early lead in the nightcap and held on for an 11-7 win.
"It was a great weekend against a very good ball club", said Stetson head coach Pete Dunn. "That team depends on speed, stolen bases and getting on base. They lead the conference in hit batters and stolen bases. They did not steal a base and our pitchers did not hit a batter all weekend."
"Rickles threw a couple guys out last night early in the game and took away their aggressiveness", he added.
Stetson catcher Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) caught both games of today's doubleheader. He came alive offensively in the second game with a five-hit performance at the plate. He was 5-for-5 with a double, three RBI and a run scored.
"We needed Rickles to come out of his funk. He is too good of a player so putting together a game like this and climbing up to around .300 hopefully builds his confidence", said Dunn.
At game's end Rickles season batting average had climbed to .298.
The Hatters outhit the Camels 17-10 led by Rickles, Spencer Theisen (Longwood, Fla.) with three hits and four more Hatters with two hits each. Theisen was 3-for-5 in the game and a more impressive 6-for-9 on the day.
Senior Kyle Maulbetsch (Jacksonville, Fla.) started game two on the mound and threw five comple innings allowing three runs, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out two batters. He picked up the victory and is now 3-3 on the season.
Sophomore Lindsey Caughel (Orlando, Fla.) was the game one starter and also pitched quite well. He allowed eight hits, three runs and two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. Caughel struck out three and did not walk a batter. Fellow sophomore Robbie Powell (Punta Gorda, Fla.) mopped up in the 9th inning, struck out one Camel and earned his third save of the season.
The hitting star in game one was Theisen with a 3-for-4 effort. He knocked in three of Stetson's four runs. The fourth and game-winning RBI was delivered by junior Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) who has been on a five-game tear for the Hatters. He was 4-for-5 in game one, 2-for-5 in game two, and is now 14-for-24 (.583) with two doubles, 8 RBI and two game-winning RBI since stepping into the leadoff spot for the injured Jeff Simpson (Valrico, Fla.).
"Tonight was a great team effort", said Dunn. "We came out and really swung the bats well, Maulbetsch and Caughel gave us quality starts, and the bullpen came in and kept them where we needed them."
The Hatters return to Melching Field Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to host a non-conference tilt against Bethune-Cookman. 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.
