DELAND, Fla. - Sophomore Isaiah Barkett put together an historic showing at the plate Friday, hitting for the cycle to help power the Stetson Hatters past the Kennesaw State Owls 8-7. It was the first time a Hatter has hit for the cycle since the 2019 season when Eric Foggo accomplished the feat, also against Kennesaw State.
Senior Anthony DeFabbia earned the win for Stetson as he now owns a 6-0 record on the season. Stetson extends their win streak to seven straight now following the victory as they now sit 21-9 on the campaign and 8-2 in conference play. The southpaw went five innings, giving up one run on six hits, allowing five walks and striking out one. As a staff, Stetson faced 46 Kennesaw State batters in the game, forcing six ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out five.
The Hatters got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Barkett came across to score the lone run of the inning for Stetson and get them on the board. It was a lead that the Hatters would not surrender for the remainder of the game
The Hatters then held the Owls scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Stetson scored twice on sophomore Evan Griffis' two-run homer, which brought the score to 3-0 in favor of the Hatters.
Stetson kept Kennesaw State scoreless before expanding their lead to 5-0 the following inning when the Hatters added two to their tally on Barkett's two-run homer to left.
Stetson kept the Owls scoreless once again before their offense got in gear the next inning. The Hatters got back-to-back run-scoring doubles from freshman Kyle Jones and Barkett to pick up a couple of runs, bringing the Stetson advantage to 7-0.
Kennesaw State got within 7-1 until the Hatters scored again in the fifth inning to stretch its lead to 8-1. Stetson picked up a run on senior Brandon Hylton's two-out solo home run, a no-doubter that nearly cleared the right field scoreboard. Kennesaw State put six runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Hatters still held on for the 8-7 win.
Stetson hit three dingers in the ballgame, their third time this season with three home runs in a game. Barkett led the Hatters at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double, a triple, a home run and three RBIs.
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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