LAKELAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters dropped a tightly contested 6-5 decision to the UCF Knights on Wednesday night at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in the inaugural Tigertown Collegiate Classic.
The Hatters (18-26) carried a 5-3 lead into the eighth inning, but UCF used a three-run frame to rally and secure the win.
Stetson totaled 10 hits on the night, highlighted by a strong showing from Yohann Dessureault, who finished 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and two RBIs.
After falling behind 1-0, the Hatters answered in the second inning when Dessureault launched a solo home run to right field to even the score.
Stetson took its first lead in the fourth inning as Renzo Gonzalez doubled and later came home on an RBI single from Anthony Gonzalez, making it 2-1.
The Hatters extended the lead in the fifth when Dessureault delivered again, driving in a run with a double to push the advantage to 3-1. UCF answered with two runs in the bottom half to tie the game at three.
Stetson regained control in the sixth inning. Jack Harley drove in a run with a single, and another run came across on a throwing error, giving the Hatters a 5-3 edge.
UCF responded in the eighth, plating three runs on a two-RBI double from Zak Skinner and a go-ahead run later in the frame to take a 6-5 lead.
Stetson was unable to rally in the ninth.
Brendan Walker got the start for Stetson, allowing one run over 1.2 innings. TJ Melani provided a solid effort out of the bullpen, tossing three innings while allowing two runs and striking out two. Ethan Phillips (2-5) took the loss after working 1.2 innings in relief.
Renzo Gonzalez added a multi-hit effort and scored twice, while Jack Harley also recorded two hits and an RBI.
GAME NOTES
- Stetson recorded 10 hits in the ballgame
- The Hatters led 5-3 entering the eighth inning
- Dessureault tallied two extra-base hits (HR, 2B)
- Stetson's highest scoring inning was the sixth (2 runs)
- Renzo Gonzalez scored twice and added a double
- Harley finished with two hits and an RBI
- Stetson pitchers faced 40 UCF batters
KEY PERFORMERS
Yohann Dessureault
2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 RBI
Renzo Gonzalez
2-for-4, 2 R, 2B
Jack Harley
2-for-4, RBI
TJ Melani
3.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 K
UP NEXT
Stetson returns to ASUN play this weekend with a home series against the FGCU Eagles starting Friday night at 6:30 PM. Game times are scheduled for 6:30 pm. on Friday, 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Fans can stay up to date with Stetson Baseball by following the Hatters on social media and visiting GoHatters.com for scores, schedules and complete coverage.
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.
