DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson Baseball delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, rolling to a 15-2 run-rule victory over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Melching Field.
The Hatters (19-29) erupted for 15 runs on 13 hits, highlighted by a six-run third inning and a five-run fifth, to close out their final non-conference game of the season in dominant fashion.
Stetson wasted no time getting on the board. Renzo Gonzalez singled and swiped second before Anthony Gonzalez doubled him home. Samuel Fernandez added an RBI single later in the inning to give the Hatters an early 2-0 lead.
The lead grew in the second when Jayden Hylton reached and came around to score ahead of a two-run home run from Landon Russell, extending the advantage to 4-0.
After Bethune-Cookman briefly cut into the lead, Stetson broke the game open in the third. The Hatters sent multiple runners across the plate in a six-run frame, fueled by extra-base hits from Andrew Ezell and timely run production from Russell and Anthony Gonzalez to push the lead to 10-1.
Stetson added five more runs in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. Fernandez launched a two-run homer, while Ezell and Renzo Gonzalez each drove in runs as the Hatters stretched the lead to 15-2.
On the mound, the Hatters combined for 10 strikeouts over seven innings. Thomas Achey set the tone with two scoreless innings to start, while Dallis Moran (1-2) earned the win out of the bullpen, striking out five over 2.2 innings. Zane Coppersmith and Brendan Walker closed things out with scoreless relief to seal the run-rule victory.
At the plate, Russell led the way with four RBIs, including his home run, while Fernandez added a home run and three RBIs. Anthony Gonzalez turned in a perfect night, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Five Hatters recorded multi-hit games, and every Stetson starter reached base safely.
KEY PERFORMERS
Landon Russell
2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI
Samuel Fernandez
2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Anthony Gonzalez
3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2B
Andrew Ezell
1-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI
Dallis Moran
2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K (W)
Thomas Achey
2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K
GAME NOTES
- Stetson scored 15 runs, tied for the most allowed by Bethune-Cookman this season
- The Hatters posted their second-highest run total of the year
- Stetson recorded its eighth multi-home run game of the season
- The Hatters drew nine walks and were hit by a pitch seven times (season high)
- Every Stetson starter reached base safely
- Stetson went 7-for-15 (.467) with runners in scoring position
- Stetson pitchers held Bethune-Cookman to 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position
- The Hatters struck out 10 batters on the night
UP NEXT
Stetson returns home this weekend for its final home series of the regular season, hosting the Jacksonville Dolphins at Melching Field. First pitch is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Friday night will feature Nine Innings of Winning, while Saturday marks Senior Night as the Hatters honor their graduating class. On Sunday, fans can pick up the third set of 2026 Stetson Baseball trading cards, available while supplies last.
Fans can stay up to date with Stetson Baseball by following the Hatters on social media and visiting GoHatters.com for the latest news, updates and 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.
