DeLand, Fla. - Stetson (20-4, 7-1 A-Sun) increased its winning streak to eight games and picked up its 20th victory of the season with a 4-1 win over ETSU (13-7, 5-4) Saturday afternoon at Melching Field. This is the fastest the Hatters have reached the 20-win plateau since 2001 when they started the season 25-3.
Stetson starting pitcher Kurt Schluter (Jupiter, Fla.) took on ETSU starter Derek Bushey (Richmond, Va.) in a scoreless pitching duel until the bottom of the 6th inning when the Hatters broke the game open with four runs off Bushey (1-1).
Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) led off with a single through the left side and then used his speed to advance to third on a single down the left field line by Ben Carhart (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.). With one out Mark Jones (Bunnell, Fla.) was intentionally walked loading the bases and setting up a big double by Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) over the outfielders in left-center that cleared the bases. Emory eventually scored on what was intended to be a suicide squeeze, yet turned into a perfectly placed bunt for a base hit by Spencer Theisen (Longwood, Fla.).
"We can't take winning for granted, we have to go out every day and earn it", said Stetson head coach Pete Dunn. "We knew ETSU would come out focused today and they did. Bushey came out and pitched great early, and of course Schluter gave us another outstanding start."
In the top of the 8th inning Schluter allowed a run on a single and a double before giving way to Jake Boyd (West Palm Beach, Fla.) on the mound. Schluter improved to 4-0 on the season after tossing 7.2 innings and giving up the one run on three hits. He struck out seven Buccaneers. Boyd threw the final 1.1 innings, struck out one batter and earned his 3rd save of the season.
Theisen picked up a pair of hits for the second consecutive game.
"A real satisfying win it was well played and well pitched. Mark Jones made a great defensive play for us and Spencer came through with two hits again. Really proud of the team", added Dunn.
The Hatters and the Bucs will be back at Melching Field Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for the series finale. Stetson fans can see the game on Hatter Vision at GoHatters.com with Bill Topping calling the action. Tickets are available at the gate or can be purchased online at GoHatters.com or by calling 738-HATS.
