Tallahassee, Fla. – It has been almost two full years since the last time the Stetson and Florida State baseball teams had a chance to square off on the diamond.
 
That streak will come to an end this afternoon when the Hatters and Seminoles meet at Dick Howser Stadium. It is the only scheduled game between the teams this year. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra with Anthony Fernandez, Chip Baker and Shawn Davidson on the call of the game.
 
The Hatters (22-14) come into the game after winning two-of-three games at FGCU over the weekend while the Seminoles (20-15) took two of three games from Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Uncharacteristically, FSU is just 12-10 at home this year, including losses to both UNF and Jacksonville.
 
While FSU his produced its normal power numbers, taking advantage of the short porch in right field to accumulate 54 home runs this year, led by sophomore catcher Matheu Nelson, who has blasted 18 home runs this year while hitting a team-best .339. Nelson has done most of his damage against ACC foes, hitting 13 of his 18 homers.
 
While the power numbers are there, the Seminoles are hitting just .241 as a team. They have countered the low batting average by holding opponents to a .219 mark with a pitching staff that is averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
 
Freshman right-hander Carson Montgomery (0-1, 4.01), a native of Windermere who was one of the top-ranked prep prospects in the state last year, will make the start this afternoon. It will be his seventh start of the year, but he has not worked more than 4.2 innings in any outing. He has recorded 35 strikeouts in 24.2 innings while also allowing 18 walks. He has surrendered just one home run so far this year, to Jacksonville's Christian Coipel.
 
Stetson will counter with freshman left-hander Anthony DeFabbia (2-0, 4.23) on the mound, making his sixth start of the year. DeFabbia has appeared in relief in each of his last five outings after opening the season with a complete game (7 innings) shutout in his first collegiate start. DeFabbia earned wins in his first two starts – against Florida A&M and North Alabama – and has not worked more than 3.1 innings in an outing since.
 
The Hatters continue to be led by graduate transfer Hernen Sardinas, who is hitting .364 with a .606 slugging percentage. Sardinas has experience at FSU, playing in a four-game series there in 2019. He was held hitless in three of the four games, but had three hits in the other.
 
Sardinas is one of five Stetson regulars who has seen playing time against FSU. Jorge Arenas started his career against FSU going hitless in his first 14 at bats, but has gone 6-for-16 in his last four games with a double, a homer and five RBI. Kyle Ball has gone 2-for-12 with a homer and three RBI. Eric Foggo has gone 4-for-18 with a double, two homers and four RBI. Andrew MacNeil has also seen action in four games against FSU, going 2-for-8 at the plate.
 
Following the game today, the Hatters will return to Melching Field this weekend to host Jacksonville for an important three-game series. Stetson is in a three-way tie with FGCU and North Florida for first place in the ASUN South Division, and those teams will play each other while the Hatters host JU, which is winless so far in league play.
 
Friday night will be special for the Hatters because there will be pregame ceremonies to honor 20 seniors who have already graduated, or will be graduating at the spring commencement ceremony. That group includes 2019 seniors Robbie Peto, who won't be here, and Jonathan Meola, who will be in attendance.
 
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.