Stetson returns to Melching Field at Conrad Park this weekend following a challenging opening stretch to begin the 2026 season. The Hatters opened the year with matchups against Minnesota, Ball State and St. John's during tournament play before traveling to Gainesville for back-to-back contests at No. 12 Florida.

Through five games, Stetson is batting .266 as a team. Yohann Dessureault has led the offense, going 6-for-14 (.429) with a double and a team-leading five RBIs. Renzo Gonzalez has also been a key contributor, batting .368 (7-for-19) with a team-high seven hits and six runs scored. Gonzalez delivered the program's first home run of the season with a two-run shot at Florida.

The Hatters have shown an ability to strike early, scoring in the first inning in four of their five games this season.

On the mound, Ethan Phillips has posted a 1.80 ERA through his first appearance of the season, allowing one earned run while striking out three. He also recorded five strikeouts in his outing against Ball State, flashing swing-and-miss potential. Out of the bullpen, Jose Roig provided a bright spot at Florida, tossing two scoreless, hitless innings with two strikeouts in his collegiate debut. The relief corps has delivered multiple steady middle-inning performances as roles continue to settle early in the year.

With early tests against strong competition now behind them, the Hatters look to translate those experiences into results as they return home this weekend.

SCOUTING THE FIELD

North Dakota State (0-5)

The Bison enter the weekend after being swept at FGCU and dropping two games at South Florida. As a team, North Dakota State is batting .203 and has hit three home runs.

Caleb Corbin and Dante Smith lead the club with six hits apiece, with Smith batting .375 and accounting for one of the team's three home runs.

On the mound, the Bison hold an 8.18 ERA, allowing 53 hits, 40 earned runs and 33 walks while striking out 41. Team ace Parker Puetz threw five shutout innings in a no-decision against FGCU, striking out eight batters.

Virginia (4-0)

Virginia enters unbeaten after sweeping Wagner by a combined 69-25 margin before defeating VMI 5-2 in a midweek contest. The Cavaliers are hitting .353 as a team with 54 hits, including 10 doubles and six home runs, while striking out just 25 times.

Eric Becker leads the offense with a .467 average, totaling seven hits, seven runs and six RBIs. Zach Johnson and Sam Harris are both hitting over .400 with six hits each, with Harris adding a home run. Joe Tiroly leads the club with seven RBIs entering the weekend.

Virginia's pitching staff owns a 4.50 ERA with 34 hits allowed, 27 walks and 56 strikeouts.

Monmouth (1-2)

Monmouth opened the season with a win at Richmond before dropping its next two games. The Hawks are batting .265 as a team.

Sam Saucke leads the lineup with a .500 average (6-for-12) along with two doubles and a home run. Chris Walsh has four hits, including a triple and a home run, and has added two stolen bases.

On the mound, Monmouth carries a 6.12 ERA with 25 hits allowed, 17 earned runs and 16 walks against 18 strikeouts. Ryan Mealy has posted a 1.80 ERA over five innings with one earned run allowed and five strikeouts.

PROJECTED PITCHING MATCHUP

Friday vs. North Dakota State (6:30 PM)
RHP James Hays (Stetson) — 0-0, 3.86 ERA, 2.1 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Parker Puetz (NDSU) — 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5.0 IP, 2 BB, 8 K

Saturday vs. Virginia (5:00 PM)
RHP Ethan Phillips (Stetson) — 0-1, 1.80 ERA, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
LHP Max Stammel (Virginia) — 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Sunday vs. Monmouth (2:00 PM)
RHP Brayden Toro (Stetson) — 0-1, 40.50 ERA, 1.1 IP, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tommy Kent (Monmouth) — 0-1, 16.20 ERA, 3.1 IP, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

COVERAGE

Friday's game against North Dakota State will be audio only on GoHatters.com.

Saturday's matchup against Virginia and Sunday's contest against Monmouth will be streamed live on GoHatters.com.

Live stats for all Stetson games this weekend will be available on the baseball schedule page at GoHatters.com.

For updates, highlights and complete coverage throughout the weekend, follow Stetson Baseball on social media and visit GoHatters.com. 

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.