DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson set the tone from the very first pitch and never looked back, riding a four-run opening frame to an emphatic 8-4 victory over UCF on Tuesday night at Melching Field.
In front of a lively home crowd, the Hatters (12-14) delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, jumping on the Knights early and backing it up with timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a steady effort on the mound.
Stetson wasted no time seizing control. Juan De La Cruz sparked the offense with a leadoff walk and came around to score, setting the stage for a big inning. Landon Russell delivered the key swing, driving in two runs with a double, while Samuel Fernandez capped the rally with an RBI knock to give the Hatters a commanding 4-0 lead after one.
From there, Stetson continued to apply pressure.
Renzo Gonzalez added to the lead in the third, coming around to score and push the advantage to 5-0. In the fourth, the Hatters manufactured another run as Cade Centracchio crossed the plate on a De la Cruz single. The momentum carried into the fifth, where Yohann Dessureault scored before Fernandez struck again with an RBI double, helping extend the lead to 8-0.
On the mound, Stetson pieced together a strong staff effort to keep UCF's high-powered offense in check. Joel Core and Zane Coppersmith set the tone early, while Ethan Phillips (2-3) earned the win out of the bullpen with two shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. Dallis Moran added two clean innings of his own, and the Hatters bullpen combined to hold the Knights scoreless through the first seven frames.
UCF mounted a late push in the eighth, highlighted by a two-run home run, but the Hatters never let the momentum shift fully, closing out the 8-4 victory.
The win marks a significant result for Stetson against a surging UCF squad and continues to highlight the Hatters' ability to compete against top competition.
Key Performers
- Landon Russell – 2 runs, 3 RBIs, key two-run double in the first inning
- Samuel Fernandez – 2 hits, 2 RBIs, including an RBI double
- Juan De La Cruz – reached base, scored, and helped ignite the early offense
- Renzo Gonzalez – 2 runs scored, RBI, constant pressure on the basepaths
- Ethan Phillips – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 K (winning pitcher)
Game Notes
- Stetson scored four runs in the first inning and never trailed
- The Hatters built an 8-0 lead through five innings
- Stetson recorded five stolen bases and drew six walks
- Hatters pitching held UCF scoreless through seven innings
- Stetson pitchers combined for eight strikeouts
- The Hatters improved to 12-14 overall with the win
Up Next
Stetson hits the road for its first ASUN away series of the season, traveling to Fort Myers for a three-game set against FGCU. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
For updates, behind-the-scenes content, and full coverage, 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.
