CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Stetson Hatters secured another dramatic late-season victory Friday night, outlasting the Queens Royals 5-4 in 14 innings at The Stick to clinch the weekend series.
The marathon matchup marked the longest game of the season for both teams and featured a dominant performance from the Hatters' pitching staff, which combined for 23 strikeouts while limiting Queens to just seven hits.
Stetson improved to 23-30 overall and 13-15 in ASUN play with the victory.
Queens struck first in the opening inning before the Hatters answered in the second. Andrew Ezell delivered a two-run single to score Esteban Dessureault and Cade Centracchio, giving Stetson a 2-1 lead.
The Royals responded with a three-run seventh inning to move in front 4-2, but the Hatters continued to battle.
In the eighth, Ezell added another RBI with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to one before Stetson tied the game in the ninth. Landon Russell drew a leadoff walk, stole second and later scored on an RBI single from Daniel Perez.
The two sides remained deadlocked until the 14th inning.
Anthony Gonzalez opened the inning with a single and advanced to third following a Queens fielding error. Moments later, Cade Centracchio delivered the go-ahead RBI single to put the Hatters in front for good.
Stetson shut the door in the bottom half behind Ethan Phillips to secure its second straight victory and second consecutive ASUN series win.
The Hatters received outstanding work from the bullpen throughout the night. Dallis Moran dominated across three scoreless innings, striking out seven without allowing a hit, while Zane Coppersmith earned the win after tossing three shutout innings with four strikeouts. Phillips closed out the victory in the 14th to earn his first save.
GAME NOTES
- Stetson clinched the series victory over Queens
- The game lasted 14 innings, the longest game of the season for both teams
- The Hatters' pitching staff combined for 23 strikeouts
- Stetson limited Queens to seven hits and 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position
- The Hatters drew 12 walks offensively
- Stetson out-hit Queens 12-7
- Dallis Moran struck out seven over three no-hit innings
- Cade Centracchio recorded three hits and the game-winning RBI
- Andrew Ezell drove in three runs
KEY PERFORMERS
Cade Centracchio
3-for-5, 2 BB, 2B, game-winning RBI
UP NEXT
Stetson closes out the regular season Saturday afternoon against the Queens Royals in Charlotte before returning home for next week's ASUN Championship Tournament at Melching Field.
Fans can follow Stetson Baseball on social media and visit GoHatters.com for updates, scores and tournament 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.
