DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson received another strong outing on the mound Friday night, but the Hatters were blanked 2-0 by the Queens Royals in the ASUN series opener at Melching Field at Conrad Park.
The Hatters (13-20, 4-8 ASUN) limited Queens (9-24, 5-8 ASUN) to just four hits on the night and struck out eight, but a two-run sixth inning proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.
James Hays turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season, working seven innings while allowing just two runs on three hits and striking out seven. The right-hander kept the Royals off balance throughout and worked out of multiple situations to keep the game scoreless into the middle innings.
Queens broke through in the sixth, using a double to set up a two-run home run to take a 2-0 lead.
Stetson's best opportunity came in the bottom half of the inning, when Juan De La Cruz delivered a double to right-center and advanced to third on a stolen base. The Hatters threatened but were unable to bring him home, as Queens held on to the lead.
Joel Core provided a strong finish out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings to keep Stetson within striking distance late.
Despite the result, the Hatters stayed within reach throughout behind another solid pitching performance and defensive effort.
KEY PERFORMERS
GAME NOTES
- Stetson pitching limited Queens to four hits
- Hatters struck out eight on the night
- Queens went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position
- De La Cruz reached third base in the sixth inning
- Stetson allowed just one extra-base hit in the game
UP NEXT
Stetson continues the ASUN series against the Queens Royals baseball on Saturday at Melching Field.
