DeLAND, Fla. — Fresh off its first ASUN series sweep of the season and coming off a 43-run weekend offensive outburst, Stetson heads to Lakeland on Wednesday night for a neutral-site showdown with the UCF Knights in the inaugural TigerTown Collegiate Classic at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, home of the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
The event marks a new wrinkle in one of the state's longest-running rivalries, as the programs meet in a neutral-site setting for the first time as part of what both schools hope becomes a signature annual event. Wednesday will be the 135th all-time meeting between the Hatters and Knights, with UCF holding an 81-53 edge in the series.
Stetson took the first meeting this season, defeating UCF 8-4 in DeLand on March 24 behind a strong all-around effort. A scheduled rematch in Orlando earlier this month was postponed due to weather.
The Hatters (18-25, 9-11 ASUN) enter riding plenty of momentum after sweeping the West Georgia Wolves on the road, their first conference sweep of the season and second ASUN series victory overall. Stetson scored 43 runs in the three-game set — including 13 or more in all three contests — and climbed in the conference standings as postseason play draws closer.
Wednesday also follows a milestone weekend for Head Coach Steve Trimper, who earned his 300th career Stetson victory in Sunday's extra-inning series-clinching win.
Scouting the Knights
UCF enters the midweek matchup at 25-15 overall and carrying a four-game winning streak after a road sweep at Utah. The Knights outscored Utah 34-6 over the weekend and are currently receiving votes in national polls.
Offensively, UCF is led by Zak Skinner (.368), John Smith III (.353, 10 HR, 40 RBI) and Andrew Williamson (.325, 10 HR). The Knights feature one of the more explosive lineups in the region and come in swinging a hot bat.
Scouting the Hatters
Stetson enters Wednesday carrying momentum after its first ASUN series sweep of the season, erupting for 43 runs in a three-game road set at West Georgia Wolves.
Juan "Chiki" De La Cruz continues to set the tone atop the lineup, leading the Hatters in batting average and stolen bases while sparking one of the ASUN's most aggressive offenses.
Landon Russell has provided consistent production in the middle of the order, while Yohann Dessureault and Foster Apple have helped power a lineup that has caught fire of late, each driving in 30-plus runs this season.
On the mound, Stetson has relied on a staff that ranks among the conference leaders in strikeouts, continuing to show swing-and-miss ability heading into the neutral-site matchup.
Probable Pitching Matchup
Wednesday's matchup is expected to feature a pair of right-handers:
STETSON: #48 RHP Brendan Walker (0-2, 4.73 ERA, 13.1 IP, 7 ER, 9 BB, 10 K)
vs. UCF: #1 RHP Roman Kimball (0-1, 5.82 ERA, 17 IP, 11 ER, 6 BB, 15 K)
A Rivalry Renewed
Wednesday marks the 135th all-time meeting in a long-running in-state rivalry, with Stetson looking to build on an 8-4 win over UCF earlier this season in DeLand. A scheduled rematch in Orlando was postponed, making Wednesday the second attempt at the season series finale.
While UCF holds an 81-53 edge in the all-time series and has won seven of the last nine meetings, the Hatters have claimed recent success in the rivalry, including this season's first meeting. The neutral-site setting at the inaugural Tigertown Collegiate Classic adds a new chapter to a series that has spanned generations.
There will be no video stream for Wednesday's game. Live stats will be available through the Stetson schedule page at GoHatters.com.
For updates, highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage, follow Stetson Baseball on social media and stay up to date all season long at GoHatters.com.
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.
