The Hatters rallied to score one in the ninth inning, walking it off on a single by senior Nick DiPonzio to pick up a 4-3 victory over the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens on Opening Day of the 2022 college baseball season.
DiPonzio's clutch hit came with two out and the bases loaded just one inning after the Hatters failed to score in a bases-loaded situation with no one out.
Junior Tanner Martin (1-0) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Stetson (1-0). The right-hander went two shutout innings while giving up one hit, allowing no walks and striking out two. Junior Danny Garcia also made an impact on the mound for the Hatters, starting the ballgame and throwing seven innings, giving up three runs, all earned, on seven hits, with no walks and six strikeouts.
At the plate, the Hatters were paced by senior Cameron Hill, who went 3-for-5 on the day. DiPonzio put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sophomore Jakob Bullard also chipped in for Stetson, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hatters put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the second inning. Stetson managed to push across two runs in the frame, one on Bullard's ground out and the second on a sacrifice fly by Connor Kehl.
Delaware gained ground, narrowing the lead to 2-1 on an RBI double by Joseph Carpenter in the fourth, but the Hatters expanded their advantage in the bottom of the inning. DiPonzio singles, stole second, moved up on a passed ball and came in to score on a line drive sacrifice fly by freshman Yohann Dessureault for a 3-1 Hatters' lead.
Delaware rallied to tie the ballgame at 3-3, plating two runs in the fifth on a hit by John Weglarz. That was where it remained until Stetson walked it off in the bottom of the ninth on DiPonzio's hit.
GAME NOTES
» Hill had three hits in his Stetson debut and also swiped his first bag.
» Garcia struck out six hitters in his seven innings of work
» Every Stetson starter reached base safely in the win.
» The Hatters will be back in action on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. against No. 4 Notre Dame. Prior to the game, there will be a Special Ride to the park for area Miracle League players and Special Olympians.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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