DELAND, Fla. — Stetson returns to Melching Field this weekend for a three-game ASUN Conference series against West Georgia, looking to build momentum as league play continues.
The Hatters enter the weekend at 9-13 overall and 1-2 in conference action following a competitive opening series against North Florida and a midweek matchup at No. 18 Florida. While the results did not fully reflect it, Stetson showed its ability to compete, highlighted by a dominant performance from right-hander James Hays in the series opener against the Ospreys. Hays carried a perfect game into the seventh inning and struck out nine, setting the tone in a 7-2 victory.
That outing was part of a stretch that showcased the Hatters' upside, including a series split on the road at then-No. 5 Arkansas and a run-rule win over Prairie View. Now back at home, where Stetson holds a 7-8 record this season, the Hatters will look to turn strong individual performances into a complete weekend.
Offensively, Stetson has continued to generate production throughout the lineup, hitting .259 as a team with 116 runs on 182 hits. The Hatters have produced 48 extra-base hits, including 12 home runs, while consistently applying pressure on opposing defenses with an aggressive approach on the basepaths, converting 36-of-39 stolen base attempts.
At the top of the order, Juan De la Cruz has been a catalyst in every sense. The junior is batting a team-high .353 with a .511 on-base percentage and has successfully stolen 12 bases in 13 attempts. He has also driven the offense early in games, reaching base at a .512 clip when leading off an inning, and enters the weekend riding a seven-game hitting streak.
Renzo Gonzalez has provided steady production behind him, batting .322 with a team-high 28 hits while leading the Hatters with nine multi-hit games. Gonzalez has also delivered in key moments, hitting .389 with runners in scoring position, and showed his defensive versatility in the midweek contest with his first start in center field.
Yohann Dessureault continues to anchor the middle of the lineup, combining power with timely hitting. The senior is batting .309 with three home runs and a team-high 21 RBIs, while posting a .515 slugging percentage. He has been especially dangerous in clutch situations, hitting .478 with runners in scoring position and consistently delivering with two outs.
Foster Apple has added both consistency at the plate and impact in the field, batting .304 with 24 hits and 16 RBIs while collecting six doubles, a triple, and a home run. Apple also turned in a pair of highlight-reel defensive plays in the midweek game and has been particularly effective against left-handed pitching, batting .533 in those matchups. His ability to advance runners has been equally valuable, doing so in over half of his opportunities.
On the mound, the Hatters' staff has continued to develop, posting a 5.83 ERA with 168 strikeouts. The rotation will once again be a focal point this weekend as Stetson looks to set the tone early in each game.
PITCHING MATCHUPS
Friday - 6:30 PM
RHP James Hays (STET): 2-0, 3.91 ERA, 23.0 IP, 8 BB, 27 K
RHP Maverick Torres (UWG): 1-3, 6.27 ERA, 18.2 IP, 8 BB, 14 K
Saturday - 6:30 PM
RHP Trace Hartman (STET): 2-2, 1.08 ERA, 25.0 IP, 8 BB, 19 K
RHP Lex Kenny (UWG): 2-1, 2.79 ERA, 29.0 IP, 8 BB, 13 K
Sunday - 1:00 PM
TBD (STET)
RHP Luke Ridley (UWG): 1-0, 4.91 ERA, 18.1 IP, 15 BB, 14 K
SCOUTING WEST GEORGIA
West Georgia enters the weekend at 5-16 overall and 2-1 in ASUN play, coming off a series victory over Jacksonville in which the Wolves took two of three games in Carrollton. UWG has shown signs of improvement after a difficult start, winning four of its last eight contests, including a series split on the road at Wichita State.
The Wolves have also proven capable of competing against top competition, narrowly falling 4-3 at No. 7 Auburn earlier this season.
Offensively, Andon Lewis leads West Georgia with a .289 average while adding five home runs and 22 RBIs, serving as a primary run producer in the middle of the lineup. Patrick McCullough has been equally impactful, batting .302 with a team-high 26 hits and 13 RBIs. McCullough recently earned ASUN Player of the Week honors following a standout series against Wichita State.
On the mound, Lex Kenny has been the most consistent arm for UWG, posting a 2.79 ERA across a team-high 29 innings while limiting opposing hitters to a .231 average. Maverick Torres is coming off his strongest outing of the season, while Luke Ridley is expected to close out the weekend rotation.
Stetson holds a 5-1 advantage in the all-time series against West Georgia, though the Wolves claimed the most recent meeting between the two programs. The Hatters will look to reestablish control of the series and take a step forward in conference play this weekend.
First pitch is set for 6:30 PM Friday night at Melching Field, with the series continuing through Sunday. Be sure to wear green as the Friday night marks the Hatters' Green Out game. All games will be streamed on GoHatters.com, and fans are encouraged to follow Stetson Baseball on social media and visit GoHatters.com for updates, as game times are subject to change.
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.
