JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stetson was limited to three hits Thursday night as the Hatters fell 5-1 to the Jacksonville Dolphins baseball in the ASUN series opener at John Sessions Stadium.
Stetson (12-18, 3-6 ASUN) stayed within striking distance for much of the night behind a strong start on the mound, but Jacksonville (—) used a three-run eighth inning to pull away late.
The Dolphins struck first in the opening frame, using a two-run double to take an early 2-0 lead. Stetson answered in the second inning when Samuel Fernandez doubled and later came around to score on a passed ball, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
From there, the game settled into a pitcher's duel, with both staffs keeping offenses in check through the middle innings. The Hatters threatened with baserunners throughout the night, drawing six walks, but were unable to deliver the timely hit.
Jacksonville broke things open in the eighth, capitalizing on a two-run home run as part of a three-run inning to extend the lead to 5-1.
Stetson put a runner on in the ninth but could not mount a comeback as the Dolphins secured the series-opening victory.
Connor Ball turned in a quality start for the Hatters, working five innings and allowing two runs on three hits while striking out three. Connor Ball kept Jacksonville off balance throughout his outing before turning things over to the bullpen.
Joel Core followed with three innings in relief, striking out three while allowing three runs.
At the plate, Fernandez led the Hatters with a double, accounting for one of Stetson's three hits on the night.
KEY PERFORMERS
GAME NOTES
- Stetson was held to three hits
- Hatters drew six walks offensively
- Stetson pitchers combined for six strikeouts
- Ball recorded his second quality start of the season
- Jacksonville was led by Conner Spelman (2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI)
UP NEXT
Stetson continues the three-game ASUN series against the Jacksonville Dolphins baseball on Friday night.
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.
