Stetson returns to Melching Field Tuesday night for a marquee in-state showdown, welcoming No. 12 Florida to DeLand for the 125th all-time meeting between the programs.
The Hatters enter the matchup looking to build on flashes shown during Opening Weekend. While the results did not fall Stetson's way, the offense produced 14 runs over three games, including a season-high seven runs Sunday night. The lineup showed depth and the ability to respond in-game, highlighted by a four-run first inning against St. John's and multiple multi-hit performances across the weekend.
Yohann Dessureault led the Hatters at the plate, going 4-for-7 with a double and three RBIs while posting a .545 on-base percentage. Renzo Gonzalez provided consistency at the top of the order, finishing 5-for-12 and scoring four of the team's 14 total runs. Landon Russell added a multi-hit effort Sunday, and freshman Samuel Fernandez recorded his first collegiate hit and RBI as the offense began to find rhythm.
On the mound, Stetson's pitching staff combined for 22 strikeouts over three games and limited Ball State to 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position in Saturday's contest. Right-hander Zane Coppersmith is slated to make his first start of the season Tuesday night. A dependable bullpen arm last year with 24 appearances, Coppersmith transitions into a starting role for the midweek matchup. He faced Florida last season in his only start of 2025, allowing just one run over 1.2 innings while striking out two in Gainesville. The experienced right-hander will look to provide early stability against a Florida lineup that started the season hot.
Florida enters the matchup ranked No. 12 nationally after posting a 39-22 record last season, including an 11-8 mark on the road. The Gators were picked to finish seventh in the SEC this year and opened the 2026 campaign by winning their weekend series against UAB. After dropping their opener in extra innings, Florida responded with a dominant Saturday doubleheader sweep, outscoring UAB 17-1 and out-hitting the Blazers 25-8 across the two games. The Gators plated 14 first-inning runs during the series, continuing a trend of jumping on opponents early.
Offensively, Kyle Jones paced Florida on Opening Weekend, going 7-for-13 with five doubles and four runs scored. Freshman Cash Strayer added a 5-for-8 performance with a home run and two doubles, while Brendan Lawson chipped in a 4-for-9 start with a homer and three RBIs.
Florida holds an 88-36 advantage in the all-time series and has won three straight against the Hatters. However, recent history at Melching Field has shown how competitive the rivalry can be, including Stetson's 7-4 victory over then-No. 4 Florida in 2024.
Tuesday's contest is the first of a home-and-home series, as the Hatters will travel to Gainesville on Wednesday night to complete the two-game set. Wednesday's starting pitchers for both teams are to be determined.
First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Melching Field. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available at GoHatters.com. Fans can follow along with live updates, highlights, and postgame coverage on Stetson Baseball's social media channels.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
