DeLand, Fla. - Stetson (26-28, 13-12) dropped the series opener 3-1 in 11 innings to the visiting Jacksonville Dolphins (24-26, 12-12) Thursday night on Melching Field. With the loss the Hatters will have to sweep JU in tomorrow's doubleheader in order to ensure themselves a spot in next week's Atlantic Sun Conference Championship Tournament. Stetson can still reach the post season without a sweep, yet would have to rely on some help from other A-Sun schools.
The game started as a pitcher's duel between Stetson's Jacob deGrom (DeLeon Springs, Fla.) and Matt Loosen (New Hyde Park, NY). Loosen tossed seven innings, gave up one run on eight hits and struck out seven. deGrom was even better allowing one run on just five hits and striking out nine Dolphins over 9 2/3 innings.
Stetson scored its lone run in the bottom of the 7th inning. Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) led off with a single to centerfield and then advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jeff Simpson (Valrico, Fla.). Spencer Theisen (Longwood, Fla.) stepped into the box next and then stepped up with an RBI double down the right field line.
The game was decided on a pair of unearned runs in the top half of the 11th inning. After a walk, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk the Dolphins had runners on first and second with one out. The next batter, Alex Martinez (Mohegan Lake, NY) hit a pop foul that headed toward the stands and then spun back into play and into what seemed to be a sure out. The ball fell just past the glove of Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) and gave Martinez new life. On the very next pitch he delivered a two-RBI double to left field scoring what turned out to be the winning runs.
Robbie Powell (Punta Gorda, Fla.) threw 1 1/3 innings and took the loss dropping to 2-1 on the season. He allowed two hits, two unearned runs, and struck out two batters.
Stetson out hit Jacksonville 8-7 led by Theisen and Nick Rickles (Loxahatchee, Fla.) who had two hits each. Theisen was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while Rickles was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles. Lashley also doubled for the home team.
The Hatters and Dolphins will finish the regular season with a doubleheader Friday beginning at 3:00 p.m. Stetson fans can see the games on Hatter Vision by going to www.gohatters.com. The voice of Stetson baseball Bill Topping will call the action.
