JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Spencer Stockton dealt his second complete game of the season and Jacksonville swept Florida Gulf Coast for the first time in program history with a 5-0 win Sunday at Sessions Stadium.
Jacksonville (25-14) moved to 7-2 in Atlantic Sun play while Florida Gulf Coast (19-21) fell to 5-4. JU has won six consecutive Atlantic Sun series dating back to a May 2015 series win against Northern Kentucky.
"That was a nice way to finish a weekend and a phenomenal job by Stockton answering back after last weekend's performance," said Head Coach Tim Montez. "He took several things that we talked about during the week and he made some nice adjustments, probably more mentally than physically. All the credit goes to him."
Stockton lasted all nine innings and gave up just five hits and one walk and tallied two strikeouts.
"We were able to keep the momentum of the two walkoff wins from yesterday, and we were able to be smart about the momentum," said Stockton. "It didn't get to our heads. Today was a complete team effort from a defensive standpoint and we swung the bats really well. That's all that you can ask for as a pitcher."
The Dolphins crossed home plate first with a couple of runs in the fourth. Sam Armstrong placed a one-out single to right field, and on a hit-and-run advanced to third on Seth DeWitt's single to right. Then, Mario Leon threw his seventh wild pitch of the season and Armstrong sprinted home to give Jacksonville its first run. A batter later, Mike Cassala slammed his first career triple to left centerfield and the Dolphins held a two-run cushion after four frames.
Jacksonville added to its lead with a run in the sixth. JJ Gould reached on a hit-by-pitch, and DeWitt later walked. A passed ball advanced both runners, and Nate Ricci drove in his fifth RBI of the season with a single through the right side. A 5-4-3 double play ended the Dolphins' inning, but Jacksonville led 3-0 after six innings.
Armstrong pushed the lead to 5-0 with his second jack in as many days. After Saturday's walkoff winner, the third baseman belted a two-run shot to right. He was preceded by an Austin Hays single, his second of the day and 21st multi-hit game this spring.
"It was a good team effort today and it was nice to be back home. I really appreciate the coaching staff and my players for picking me up, and all the well wishes from our fans. It means a lot," said Montez.
Jacksonville continues Atlantic Sun play with a three-game series at Stetson beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Dolphins occupy second place in the conference behind Kennesaw State.
"We have Stetson next weekend, and until then we are going to get our classwork done, enjoy this win for 12 hours, and then focus on a dangerous club in Stetson," said Stockton.
