JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Baseball returns to John Sessions Stadium for a second consecutive weekend as the Dolphins host the Stetson Hatters.
Thursday's meeting marks the 203rd contest between the two programs, making it the most storied rivalry for both universities. In the previous matchups, the Hatters hold a narrow lead with 107 all-time victories, while the Dolphins claimed 95.
Series Schedule
Game 1 - Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 7:00 PM
Game 2 - Friday, April 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM
Game 3 - Saturday, April 4th
Time: 1:00 PM
Scouting Report
The Stetson Hatters (12-17, 3-5 ASUN) are coming off a tough weekend in Ft. Myers against FGCU, where the series was cut short due to weather and only one full game was played. Game one featured a Hatters grand slam but ended with an Eagles walk-off.
On Tuesday, Stetson hosted No. 7 Florida State, one of the nation's top teams. The Seminoles outlasted the Hatters in a narrow 6-3 victory, fueled by four runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Despite the loss, Stetson impressed on the mound with eight Hatters combined for 12 strikeouts against the Seminoles.
With a 3-5 conference record, the Hatters currently sit fourth in the ASUN's Graphite Division. Their lone conference series win came with a 2-1 victory against West Georgia, while Stetson has dropped series to both UNF and FGCU.
Despite posting the lowest slugging percentage in the ASUN, Stetson leads the conference in stolen bases, just as they did last year. The Hatters have already swiped 54 bags this season.
James Hayes leads the team with 35 strikeouts, while Trace Hartman paces the Hatters in opponent batting average (.261) among qualified pitchers. Both are regular weekend starters for Stetson. Offensively, Juan De La Cruz tops the team in batting average (.356) and hits (32), and is also a threat on the bases with 17 steals in 18 attempts.
For the Dolphins
Offensively, Sammy Mummau, Roger Vergara, and Sam Grunberg continue to lead the way. Mummau recorded a multi-hit performance against Florida and has driven in eight runs over his last three games. Vergara delivered the biggest swing of the night in Gainesville, ripping a two-out, two-RBI single to tie the game in the eighth inning.
Grunberg has recorded a hit in six of his last eight games and has reached safely consistently during that stretch. He exited Tuesday's game after being hit in the helmet but is expected to remain a key contributor in the lineup.
On the mound, Jacksonville leaned on a strong bullpen effort in its upset win. Hopper secured the victory with another composed outing, while Dominic Pieto closed the door for his second save of the season.
Both staffs rank among the ASUN's top four in ERA, with Jacksonville posting a 5.60 mark and Stetson close behind at 5.80.
Jacksonville has completed three conference series and has seven remaining, with four set to be played at John Sessions Stadium. As the Dolphins push toward DeLand and an NCAA Regional berth, establishing a consistent lineup and getting length from their starters will be critical.
