DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson Baseball dropped a 6-2 decision to the FGCU Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Melching Field in a game that was delayed more than five hours due to weather.
Prior to first pitch, Stetson recognized its 2016 ASUn Tournament Champion team, celebrating one of the program's milestone seasons.
Once play began, FGCU (28-17, 12-10 ASUN) struck early, scoring a run in the first inning before adding three more in the third to take control. The Eagles extended the lead to 6-1 through four innings.
Stetson (18-28, 9-13 ASUN) got on the board in the third when Cade Centracchio scored on a groundout, trimming the deficit to 4-1. The Hatters added another run in the sixth as Renzo Gonzalez delivered an RBI single to plate Jack Harley.
That would be as close as Stetson would get, as FGCU's pitching staff held the Hatters scoreless over the final three innings to secure the series win.
Junior Trace Hartman (3-5) took the loss after allowing four runs over three innings. Joel Core followed in relief, while TJ Melani turned in a standout performance, tossing four scoreless innings with six strikeouts to keep the Hatters within reach late.
At the plate, Harley led Stetson with a 2-for-5 performance, including a double and an RBI. Centracchio added a double, a run scored and two walks, while Gonzalez contributed an RBI single.
GAME NOTES
- Game was delayed more than five hours due to weather
- Stetson honored its 2016 ASUN Tournament Championship team pregame
- Stetson recorded eight hits, including two doubles
- The Hatters scored in the third and sixth innings
- Stetson pitchers limited FGCU to 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position
- Melani struck out six over four scoreless innings
KEY PERFORMERS
TJ Melani
4.0 IP, 0 R, 6 K
Jack Harley
2-for-5, 2B, RBI
Cade Centracchio
1-for-3, 2B, R, 2 BB
Renzo Gonzalez
1-for-4, RBI
UP NEXT
Stetson wraps up its ASUN series against the FGCU Eagles baseball on Sunday at Melching Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available on the Stetson Baseball schedule page at GoHatters.com. Fans are encouraged to follow Stetson Baseball on social media for update
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.
