FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Stetson capped a historic weekend in Fayetteville on Monday afternoon, defeating No. 5 Arkansas 6-4 at Baum-Walker Stadium to earn a split of the four-game series.
The victory marked the largest road upset under head coach Steve Trimper, surpassing the Hatters' win over the Razorbacks the day before. It also marked the first time since 2014 that Arkansas has lost or tied a non-conference series.
Stetson (7-10) also accomplished another milestone with the win, defeating a ranked Top-10 opponent in back-to-back games for the first time in the Trimper era.
Senior Connor Ball delivered a dominant performance on the mound, striking out eight Razorbacks across 5.2 innings to earn the win and help shut down one of the nation's top offenses.
"This was a great day for Stetson baseball and our program," Trimper said. "So many great teams throughout the history of this program have built a foundation of success. To come in here and get two wins against a powerful Arkansas team coming off a trip to the College World Series really speaks to the work ethic and blue-collar mentality of our guys. Our pitching staff did a tremendous job with Connor Ball leading the way, and our offense came out aggressive. The compete factor of this team right now is at a very high level."
Stetson wasted little time taking control of the game, erupting for four runs in the top of the first inning.
Juan De la Cruz opened the rally with a walk before advancing to third. Foster Apple then delivered an RBI single to bring him home. Moments later, Yohann Dessureault launched a three-run home run, scoring Apple and Renzo Gonzalez to give the Hatters a 4-0 lead.
Arkansas responded in the second inning with a two-run home run and an RBI double to trim the deficit to 4-3.
The Hatters added key insurance runs in the fourth inning.
After Landon Russell reached base and advanced to third, Corey Robinson brought him home with an infield single. De la Cruz then laid down a bunt single that scored Jayden Hylton, extending Stetson's lead to 6-3.
Arkansas pushed across an unearned run in the fifth inning to make it 6-4, but Stetson's pitching staff shut the door from there.
After Dallis Moran and Joel Core combined to cover the early innings, Ball took over and controlled the game.
The senior right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run on five hits while striking out eight and issuing no walks.
Andrew Lepine recorded the final out to earn his second save of the season, securing the victory.
Stetson pitchers combined to hold Arkansas 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
KEY PERFORMERS
• Connor Ball — 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R (0 ER), 8 K, 0 BB
• Yohann Dessureault — 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Juan De la Cruz — 2-for-4, RBI, walk, 4 defensive assists
• Renzo Gonzalez — 2 hits, run scored
• Andrew Lepine — save (final out)
GAME NOTES
• Stetson defeated a ranked opponent in back-to-back games for the first time under head coach Steve Trimper.
• The win marked the largest road upset of the Trimper era.
• Arkansas had not lost or tied a non-conference series since 2014 before this weekend.
• Stetson scored four runs in the first inning to take early control of the game.
• The Hatters went 5-for-7 (.714) with runners in scoring position.
• Stetson pitchers held Arkansas 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
• Ball struck out eight Razorbacks in 5.2 innings of relief.
NEXT UP
Stetson returns home to Melching Field on Wednesday for its final non-conference game before ASUN play begins. The Hatters will host Prairie View A&M with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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.
