DeLAND, Fla. — Anthony Gonzalez and Cade Centracchio combined for five hits Saturday night, but Stetson was unable to overcome an early deficit in an 8-2 loss to the Queens Royals at Melching Field at Conrad Park.
The Hatters (13-21, 4-9 ASUN) battled throughout, but Queens (10-24, 6-8 ASUN) used a four-run second inning to create separation and added late insurance to secure the win.
Queens struck first in the opening inning before breaking the game open in the second. The Royals capitalized on a series of baserunners and timely extra-base hits, scoring four runs in the frame to take a 5-0 lead.
Stetson responded in the third inning, getting on the board when the freshman Centracchio doubled and later came around to score to trim the deficit. The Hatters added another run in the fifth, again sparked by Centracchio, who reached base and eventually scored on a Gonzalez single to make it 5-2.
Despite opportunities to build momentum, Stetson was unable to string together a late rally, as Queens pitching limited further damage.
The Royals added three runs in the ninth to extend the lead to 8-2 and put the game out of reach.
Gonzalez paced the Hatters offensively with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI, while Centracchio added two hits, including a double, and scored both Stetson runs.
On the mound, Trace Hartman took the loss after allowing five runs over 3.2 innings. Freshman Thomas Achey provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, striking out five over two scoreless innings. Jake Gorelick also contributed with 2.1 scoreless innings, keeping the Hatters within reach into the late innings.
KEY PERFORMERS
GAME NOTES
- Stetson recorded eight hits in the game
- Hatters went 2-for-4 (.500) with runners in scoring position
- Stetson pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts
- Achey recorded five strikeouts over two scoreless innings
- Gorelick provided 2.1 innings of scoreless relief
- Queens scored five runs in the first two innings
UP NEXT
Stetson looks to avoid the sweep in the series finale against the Queens Royals at 1:00 PM on Sunday at Melching Field.
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.
