JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Baseball returns to John Sessions Stadium this weekend to host Queens University of Charlotte for a three-game ASUN series, marking the second meeting between the two programs this season.
The Dolphins will look to even the season series after Queens took two of three in Charlotte earlier this year, a set that featured a late Jacksonville surge, a missed opportunity, and a walk-off loss in the finale.
With the ASUN Graphite Division race tightening, the weekend carries added weight. Jacksonville enters the series holding second place, with Queens just one game back in fourth, setting up a key opportunity for the Dolphins to create separation on their home field.
Jacksonville has found its footing since the first meeting, highlighted by three ranked road wins over Florida and UCF, along with ASUN series victories over FGCU, Stetson, and West Georgia. The Dolphins now return home looking to build on that momentum and flip the script against a familiar opponent.
Series Schedule
Game 1 – Friday, April 24
Time: 7:00 PM | Live Stats | ESPN+
Game 2 – Saturday, April 25
Time: 7:00 PM | Live Stats | ESPN+
Game 3 – Sunday, April 26
Time: 1:00 PM | Live Stats | ESPN+
Jacksonville, Fla. / John Sessions Stadium
Promotions
Fans can enjoy a full slate of giveaways and in-game promotions throughout the weekend.
Friday night features table giveaways including cups, koozies, and pom poms, along with a Starry cooler giveaway in the fifth inning and a $50 Flex giveaway for students in the seventh. ROTC will present the colors as part of the pregame ceremonies.
Saturday will include additional table giveaways, with AirPods set to be given away in the seventh inning.
Sunday wraps up the weekend with more table giveaways and an Arctic cooler giveaway in the seventh inning.
Scouting Report
Queens enters the weekend with a 12-28 overall record and an 8-10 mark in ASUN play, sitting fourth in the Graphite Division just one game behind Jacksonville.
The Royals have shown flashes in conference play, including a series win over FGCU, and have proven capable of capitalizing on key moments. Offensively, Anibal Rivera leads the lineup with a .327 average, while Grayson Childers has provided power with six home runs and 20 RBIs.
On the mound, Queens has leaned on a mix of starters, with Joey Ruller and Matthew Eagen logging significant innings. The Royals' pitching staff has worked through traffic at times, but has also delivered timely outs in close games.
Last Time
In the first meeting between the two teams, Jacksonville saw all sides of a tightly contested series.
The Dolphins opened with a statement in game one, erupting for 15 runs over the final four innings in a 17-5 win. After trailing midway through, Jacksonville's offense exploded behind a 16-hit performance, with Abdriel Delgado driving in five runs and Alex Walsh striking out 10 to set the tone.
Queens responded in game two, using a three-run home run early to take control in a 4-1 win. Jacksonville threatened late but could not break through, despite strong bullpen work that kept the game within reach.
The series finale proved to be the difference. After taking a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning on a two-run double from Cade Walter, the Dolphins were one inning away from securing the series. Queens answered with a three-run walk-off home run, handing Jacksonville a 4-3 loss and the series.
This Time Around
Since that series, Jacksonville has begun to round into form, with consistent production at the plate and a pitching staff that has found its rhythm in key moments.
Roger Vergara continues to anchor the lineup, leading the team among qualified hitters while delivering in clutch situations, including go-ahead RBIs in ranked wins over Florida and UCF.
At the top of the order, Sammy Mummau has sparked the offense during a recent stretch, carrying a 10 game hitting streak into Friday's opener. Derek Bermudez and Sam Grunberg have provided timely power and run production in the middle of the lineup.
On the mound, Alex Walsh has remained a steady presence at the front of the rotation, consistently working deep into games. Brendan Holland is coming off one of his strongest outings of the season, while Dominic Pieto has locked down the back end of games with multiple saves. Freshman Ayden Phillips has also emerged as a reliable option in high-leverage spots.
After letting the first series slip away late, Jacksonville returns home with an opportunity not only to even the season set, but to take control in the ASUN standings.
