DeLand, Fla. – Jacksonville Baseball begins its quest for an ASUN Championship title this week in DeLand, Florida, opening the tournament against North Alabama on Tuesday, May 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET at Melching Field at Conrad Park.
The Dolphins enter the 2025 ASUN Championship as the #2 seed in the Graphite Division and will face the #3 seed from the Gold Division in UNA, who are making their first-ever appearance in the conference tournament.
#2 Jacksonville vs. #3 North Alabama
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QUICK HITS
- Jacksonville Baseball (28-24, 17-13 ASUN) heads into the ASUN Tournament with one of the conference's top pitching staffs, boasting a league-best 3.64 ERA in conference play. JU is poised for a strong postseason run, relying on their depth and consistency on the mound, alongside a dangerous lineup that can explode at any moment. The 'Phins are ready to make a serious run.
- Offensively, Jacksonville is led by Jonah Shields, who is batting a stellar .374 .AVG with 35 RBIs heading into tournament play. He's complemented by Josh Steidl (.320 AVG, 36 RBIs) and Blake DeLamielleure, the team's RBI leader with 56 RBIs and a solid .287 batting average. Their combined production forms a powerful middle of the lineup that consistently drives in runs.
- Adding to the offensive firepower is Jaden Bastian, a dynamic threat who can change the game with his bat. Bastian boasts a .296 average with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs, and his ability to hit for power and get on base makes him one of the most explosive players on the team.
- On the mound, Jacksonville will turn to Richard Long as their projected starting pitcher for Tuesday morning's matchup against North Alabama. Long has posted a solid 2.80 ERA and a .99 WHIP over 86.2 innings pitched, providing steady leadership on the mound. The bullpen, anchored by closer Nick Anello, who has notched 9 saves with a 2.95 ERA, features reliable arms like Chris Lotito (1.42 ERA in 12.2 innings) and Anthony Cordero (2.31 ERA with 3 saves), offering depth and experience in high-pressure situations
SCOUTING THE LIONS
North Alabama (23-30, 16-14 ASUN) enters the ASUN Tournament coming off a weekend sweep of Central Arkansas, with Anthony Pingeton expected to start. Pingeton has pitched 66 innings this season, posting a 4.91 ERA with 53 strikeouts, 23 walks, and 36 earned runs allowed, holding a 3-3 record on the year. Offensively, redshirt freshman Petey Craska leads UNA with a .347 batting average and 18 doubles, tied for the conference lead.
SERIES HISTORY
This matchup marks the seventh meeting between Jacksonville and North Alabama. The teams last met in a thrilling series last season, with the Dolphins securing a 10-inning win in the finale. Jacksonville holds a 4–2 lead in the all-time series and looks to continue their success against the Lions.
WHAT'S NEXT
The winner of Tuesday's game will advance to face the winner of Austin Peay vs. North Florida on Thursday, May 22 at 2:00 p.m. The teams on the losing side will meet in an elimination game on Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. Jacksonville is ready to bring its best and compete for the ASUN title.
For full tournament information and brackets, click
here.
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