DeLAND, FL – Following their first conference series of the season, the Stetson Hatters fell to the visiting UCF Knights 3-0 at Melching Field on Tuesday night.
Junior Ethan Phillips took the mound for Stetson, but took his first loss of the season. Phillips delivered 5.1 solid innings, allowing just one run on five hits, walking one, and striking out two. The Hatters now stand at 11-11 on the year.
Offensively, junior Landon Moran led Stetson, going 1-for-3 with a single and a walk. Isaiah Barkett, Lorenzo Meola, and Nelphi Lopez also collected hits, with Lopez's coming as a pinch hitter.
The Hatters had just one opportunity with runners in scoring position, as freshman outfielder Foster Apple advanced to third with two outs in the first inning. However, the squad couldn't convert, leaving Apple stranded.
Despite the defeat, Stetson's pitching staff stood tall, limiting UCF to just a .125 average (1-for-8) with runners in scoring position.
Next up, the Hatters hit the road for their first conference series away from home, heading to Jacksonville to face the Dolphins. First pitch for Friday's game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
