The Stetson offense struggled on Sunday, producing one unearned run on just four hits, but that was all the Hatters needed as a quartet of hurlers combined to blank visiting High Point in a 1-0 series-clinching victory at Melching Field.
 
With the win, the Hatters evened their season record at 4-4 while dropping the Panthers to 4-3 on the year.
 
The lone Stetson run came in the third inning off HPU starter Drew Daczkowski (0-1). Freshman Ben Rowdon reached on a two-out single, stole second and advanced to third on Daczkowski's throw behind him that was wide of first base. Jacob Koos followed with a single through the right side of the infield to score the run.
 
"That was a big two-out RBI for us and we have been telling the team that we need to get at least one two-out RBI every game to give ourselves a chance to win," Hatters coach Steve Trimper said. "They gave us another chance in the eighth when they misplayed a fly ball, but we weren't able to cash that one in. Koos was almost able to get it done again for us. He had the hardest hit ball of the day, but it was right at their second baseman's head."
 
That was it from an offensive perspective for Stetson. In fact, all four Hatters hits in the game came within a five-batter stretch of each other. Colton Lightner opened the third with a hit, but was erased when Chris Tidwell hit into a double play. Andrew MacNeil then led off the fourth with a single for the only other hit for Stetson.
 
For the third consecutive day, Stetson's starting pitcher established a new career-high for strikeouts. This time is was sophomore Logan Gilbert (1-0), who recorded 10 Ks in six innings of work while allowing four hits and three walks.
 
"Our pitchers just kept grinding out there, trying to make pitches," Trimper said. "Logan did a great job. We wanted to pitch ahead and keep their guys off balance. We had a pretty good idea of how to get them out.
 
"When Logan came out of the game, he told me that he didn't have his best stuff. I knew that, and that is why I think he is going to be a really good starter for us. If he ever gives up two or three runs, it will have to be because we didn't play defense behind him. When he does have hit good stuff, it is going to be no-hitter stuff."
 
Still, the Stetson pitchers had to work for every out because High Point continuously put runners on base throughout the game. The Panthers ended up stranding 14 runners despite having just eight hits and three walks in the game. Stetson committed one error in the game, Gilbert hit a batter and had another reach on a strikeout/passed ball.
 
"We have to be leading the nation right now in strike outs," Trimper said of his pitchers. "Coach Dave Therneau has done a good job of having the guys work off their fastball with their sliders and splitters. That is such a tough pitch to hit at this level and we have guys who are throwing it at 80 miles per hour."
 
The only inning in which High Point failed to get a runner on base was the ninth. Dean Garabedian, who came on in the eighth inning to get a pair of strikeouts, including one of Carson Jackson to end the frame with the bases loaded, put the Panthers down in order in the ninth for his first career save.
 
"Dean did a great job for us," Trimper said. "He came in and threw his slider for strikes. He is a tough kid with such mental toughness and I love that."
 
In the three games against High Point, Stetson's starting pitchers worked 20.1 innings with 31 strikeouts. Overall, the Hatters' pitching staff finished the series with 40 strikeouts.
 
Stetson will play its first road game of the year on Tuesday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona against Volusia County rival Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats dropped two of three games at Florida Gulf Coast this weekend after sweeping Boston College to open the year.
 
The Hatters will likely sent freshman Ryan Stark (1-1) to the mound for that game. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the Daytona Tortugas are hosting an "all-you-can-eat" picnic from 5:30 until 6:30 in conjunction with the game. Fans can gain admission to the game and the picnic for just $15. Students with an ID can get into the action for just $10.
 
The Hatters will be back at Melching Field next weekend for the Westin Lake Mary Stetson Invitational with teams from Saint Joseph's, Connecticut and Western Michigan in town for the tournament. Games on Friday and Saturday are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. with Sunday's game set for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.