DeLAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters dropped an 8-1 decision to the FGCU Eagles in Friday night's ASUN series opener at Melching Field.
The Hatters (18-27, 9-12 ASUN) were limited to six hits on the night, while FGCU used a four-run first inning to seize early control and never looked back.
FGCU jumped ahead quickly with a grand slam in the opening frame, putting Stetson in an early 4-0 hole. The Eagles added two more runs in the sixth to extend the lead to 6-0.
Stetson broke through in the seventh inning. Jayden Hylton singled and later came around to score on an RBI base hit from Anthony Gonzalez, cutting the deficit to 6-1.
The Eagles added two insurance runs in the ninth to close out the 8-1 victory.
Junior James Hays (3-3) took the loss for Stetson, allowing four runs over four innings. Zane Coppersmith provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, tossing three innings with four strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Lathan Haywood worked the final two innings in relief.
At the plate, Gonzalez drove in the Hatters' lone run, while Hylton scored and added a hit. Yohann Dessureault also contributed a hit and a stolen base.
GAME NOTES
- Stetson was held to six hits in the ballgame
- The Hatters scored their lone run in the seventh inning
- Stetson pitchers limited FGCU to 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position
- Coppersmith struck out four over three innings of relief
- Hylton scored the Hatters' only run
KEY PERFORMERS
Anthony Gonzalez
1-for-4, RBI
Jayden Hylton
1-for-3, R
Zane Coppersmith
3.0 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 4 K
UP NEXT
Stetson continues its ASUN series against the FGCU Eagles baseball on Saturday at Melching Field. First pitch is now scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available on the baseball schedule page at GoHatters.com. Fans are encouraged to follow Stetson Baseball on social media for updates throughout the weekend.
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.
