DeLand, Fla. - Stetson (24-23, 11-8 Atlantic Sun) dropped its series opener 4-2 to USC Upstate (15-32, 5-17) Friday night on Melching Field. The Hatters had a five-game winning streak and a 5-1 all-time record against the Spartans coming into the night's action.
Starting pitchers Jacob deGrom (DeLeon Springs, Fla.) and Matt Branham (Columbia, S.C.) dueled for the first seven innings. deGrom had one bad inning surrendering all four runs in the top of the 3rd inning and Branham gave up one in the 4th and another in the 8th before giving way to his bullpen. Branham struck out seven and walked two, while deGrom punched out six and walked one. Branham is now 4-3 on the season and deGrom dropped to 4-3.
Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, Fla.) was the only Hatter with multiple hits. He was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) and Spencer Theisen (Longwood, Fla.) each doubled for Stetson. Theisen extended his current hitting streak to 16 games.
The Hatters and Spartans will complete the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:00 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.
