Tampa, Fla. – The Stetson baseball team will try to end its six-game road trip on a positive note Tuesday night when they face off against in-state rival South Florida.
It will be the fourth game of the season between the teams with USF having won each of the first three games, two of those by one run. The first pitch of tonight's game from USF Baseball Stadium is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
USF (7-6) comes into the game having been swept by FGCU for the second time this year.
In addition to having dropped six of their last seven games, the Hatters (11-6) have been dealing with a rash of nagging injuries. The trio of
Hernen Sardinas,
Jackson Olson and
Nick DiPonzio have been slowed by muscle strains and redshirt sophomore
Brandon Hylton is out of action for tonight after a collision at first base in Tuscaloosa over the weekend.
But, one of the things coach
Steve Trimper knew about his team going into the year was there was plenty of depth to call on in case players needed to miss time, and that has been the case. Redshirt sophomore
Banks Griffith has forced his way into the lineup by leading the team with a .414 batting average in his seven starts, which have included starts at second base, third base and as the designated hitter.
The Hatters will turn to freshman left-hander
Anthony DeFabbia (2-0, 2.08) on the mound for tonight's game. He will be opposed by USF senior RHP Collin Sullivan (0-0, 7.45). DeFabbia pitched two shutout innings of relief against USF on March 5 while Sullivan started the game on March 6, working 3.2 innings while allowing three runs on seven hits. He has not pitched since that outing.
Following the game tonight the Hatters will return to Melching Field this weekend for a four-game weekend, with two games each against Wichita State and FIU. The Shockers and Panthers will get the weekend started at 2 p.m. on Friday with the first game of the weekend. Stetson will play Wichita State on Friday evening with the first pitch set for 6:30 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.
