DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson Baseball continues its demanding stretch this week, opening with a top-10 midweek matchup before returning to conference play on the road.
The Hatters (12-16, 3-5 ASUN) welcome No. 7 Florida State Seminoles baseball to Melching Field at Conrad Park on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m., before traveling to Jacksonville for a three-game ASUN series against the Jacksonville Dolphins baseball from Thursday through Saturday (7:00 p.m./7:00 p.m./2:00 p.m.). All four games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
Stetson enters the week coming off a challenging road series at FGCU but carries confidence from an impressive 8-4 win over UCF Knights baseball last Tuesday at Melching Field.
The Hatters wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four runs in the first inning behind aggressive at-bats and timely hitting. Stetson added insurance in the middle innings while the pitching staff held firm, limiting UCF's opportunities and closing out the win down the stretch. The complete performance showcased the Hatters' ability to control the tempo against high-level competition.
The victory marked Stetson's fourth win over a Power 4 opponent this season, continuing a trend of success against top programs, including a pair of wins at then-No. 5/6 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball earlier this year.
Scouting the Noles
Tuesday presents another major test as Stetson hosts a nationally ranked Florida State squad that enters the week 21-6 overall and 7-2 in ACC play.
The Seminoles feature one of the most balanced lineups in the country, hitting .292 as a team with 35 home runs and 224 runs scored. Freshman Kelvyn Paulino Jr. leads the offense with a .382 average, while the pitching staff owns a 4.06 ERA with 294 strikeouts.
Despite Florida State holding a 70-26 advantage in the all-time series, Stetson has proven capable of defending its home field. The Hatters defeated the Seminoles 10-5 in DeLand last season, launching six home runs in a statement victory highlighted by a four-hit performance from Yohann Dessureault. Stetson is 15-26 all-time against Florida State at Melching Field.
Tuesday's matchup is expected to feature a pitching duel between Cooper Whited and Brendan Walker.
Hatters at the Plate
Stetson continues to find production throughout the lineup, batting .261 as a team with 231 hits, 60 extra-base hits, and 15 home runs while posting a .370 on-base percentage.
Juan De La Cruz has set the tone at the top of the order, batting .356 with a team-high 31 hits, seven doubles, and a .509 on-base percentage. His 11-game hitting streak came to an end over the weekend, but his consistency continues to drive the offense.
Landon Russell and Foster Apple have both been steady contributors, each hitting .305. Apple leads the duo with 20 RBIs, while Russell has scored 23 runs and continues to impact the game defensively across multiple positions.
Jack Harley provided a highlight moment in Friday's game at FGCU, launching his first home run as a Hatter—a go-ahead grand slam at the time.
On the Mound
Stetson's pitching staff holds a 5.80 ERA across 234.1 innings with 219 strikeouts, continuing to show the ability to generate swings and misses.
The weekend rotation is expected to be led by James Hays and Trace Hartman, who have been key pieces throughout the season. Hays leads the team in strikeouts, while Hartman has consistently delivered quality outings and limited opposing hitters. Both will play critical roles as the Hatters look to regain momentum in conference play.
ASUN Play Resumes
Following Tuesday's matchup, the Hatters return to ASUN action with a three-game road series at Jacksonville. Stetson enters conference play at 3-5 and will look to build consistency as the league schedule intensifies.
Pitching matchups for the series are currently TBD.
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.
