DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson returns to action this week with a midweek showdown at Melching Field before hitting the road for its first ASUN series away from home, continuing a challenging early-season stretch.
The Hatters (11-14, 3-3 ASUN) open the week on Tuesday night against UCF at 6:30 p.m. for Superhero Night presented by Culver's, before traveling south to Florida Gulf Coast Eagles baseball for a three-game conference series in Fort Myers (Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.).
Last Time Out
Stetson enters the week with momentum after securing its first conference series victory of the season, taking two of three from West Georgia Wolves baseball. The Hatters closed the weekend with a 10-6 win on Sunday, powered by a 13-hit performance and contributions throughout the lineup.
Despite dropping a midweek contest at Florida Gators baseball, Stetson showed resilience by bouncing back at home, improving to 9-9 at Melching Field this season.
Midweek Matchup: UCF
Tuesday's matchup presents another major test, as Stetson faces UCF Knights baseball, who enter the week at 15-7 and 5-1 in Big 12 play. The Knights are one of the hottest teams in the country, winners of 11 of their last 13 games, and are receiving votes in multiple national polls.
UCF's offense has been explosive, highlighted by a .414 average from John Smith III and a team effort that hit .352 in its most recent conference series at TCU. On the mound, Matt Sauser leads the rotation with a 0.64 ERA, ranking among the best in the nation.
The meeting marks the 10th game this season against a Power 4 opponent for Stetson, which holds a 3-6 record in those contests, including a pair of marquee road wins over then-No. 5/6 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball.
ASUN Road Test at FGCU
Following Tuesday night, Stetson will face another challenge on the road against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles baseball, one of the most potent offensive teams in the country.
FGCU (17-7, 3-3 ASUN) leads the nation with 304 hits and ranks fourth nationally with a .344 team batting average. The Eagles have recorded 10 or more hits in 20 of their 24 games this season and boast a dominant 13-2 record at home, despite being swept by North Florida last weekend.
Hatters at the Plate
Stetson has continued to find consistency offensively, batting .263 as a team with 54 extra-base hits and 14 home runs on the season.
Juan De La Cruz has been the catalyst at the top of the lineup, hitting .382 with 29 hits, 17 walks, and a .530 on-base percentage while swiping 15 bases. His ability to set the tone has been key to the Hatters' offensive rhythm.
Foster Apple (.310, 19 RBI) and Renzo Gonzalez (.303, team-high 30 hits) have provided consistency in the middle of the order, while Yohann Dessureault leads the team with 21 RBIs and continues to deliver in key situations.
Jayden Hylton added his team-leading fourth home run of the season in Friday's win over West Georgia, further highlighting the depth of the lineup.
On the Mound
Stetson's pitching staff has shown flashes of dominance, posting 199 strikeouts over 210.2 innings this season.
James Hays picked up his third win of the season in Friday's series opener, carrying a 3.86 ERA with a team-best 32 strikeouts across 28 innings. Trace Hartman, despite taking the loss on Saturday, has been one of the team's most consistent arms with a 2.78 ERA and a .214 opposing batting average.
The bullpen has also played a key role in recent success. Joel Core delivered a standout week with a start at Florida and a save against West Georgia, allowing just one run across 5.2 innings. Andrew Lepine secured his third save of the season on Sunday, while Connor Ball and Thomas Achey have provided valuable depth out of the bullpen.
As a staff, the Hatters hold a 5.72 ERA with 199 strikeouts and have continued to show the ability to miss bats in key moments.
Series History & Notes
Stetson holds a 53-83 all-time record against UCF but picked up a win over the Knights at home in 2024. The Hatters have dropped the last three meetings in the series.
In the series with the Eagles of FGCU, the Hatters trail 30-36 with a 12-15 record on the road. Last time the two teams met was in the 2025 ASUN Championship final.
Up Next
First pitch on Tuesday against UCF is set for 6:30 p.m. at Melching Field. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Stetson will then travel to Fort Myers for a three-game ASUN series at FGCU beginning Friday night.
For updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more information on Stetson Baseball, follow the Hatters 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.
