DELAND, Fla. – The University of North Florida baseball team suffered a 7-2 defeat against Stetson on Friday evening, opening their Atlantic Sun Conference schedule at Conrad Park. Despite a late home run from sophomore Seth Alford, the Ospreys couldn’t overcome an early offensive push by the Hatters.
The loss drops North Florida to 8-11 overall and 0-1 in conference play, even as Stetson improves to 9-10 with a 1-0 ASUN record. The Hatters established an early lead, scoring one run in the first inning and adding five more in the third to build a commanding advantage.
Alford provided a spark in the eighth inning, launching his third home run of the season – a two-run shot – to cut Stetson’s lead to 6-2. He finished the game 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored. According to the University of North Florida Athletics website, Alford is a versatile utility player who continues to be a key offensive threat for the team.
While the Ospreys struggled to generate consistent offense, redshirt junior Boone Hosey and junior Mitchell Collins each contributed a single. Hosey extended his on-base streak to 10 games and has recorded a hit in four consecutive contests, demonstrating his reliability at the plate.
Strong Stetson Offense Leads to Victory
Stetson’s offense proved to be too much for North Florida, racking up 13 hits throughout the game. Renzo Gonzalez led the Hatters’ attack, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and one run. The Hatters capitalized on their offensive opportunities, consistently putting runners in scoring position and converting them into runs.
Stewart Shines in Relief Appearance
Despite the loss, freshman right-handed pitcher Jeremiah Stewart delivered a strong performance out of the bullpen for North Florida. He pitched 3.0 innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out three batters and walking one. Stewart’s ability to limit the damage and keep the game within reach was a positive takeaway for the Ospreys.
Dakota Stone took the loss for North Florida, falling to 3-2 on the season. Stetson’s James Hays earned the win, improving to 2-0. The final score reflected Stetson’s dominance at the plate, with the Hatters outhitting the Ospreys 13 to 3.
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Matchup
North Florida will look to even the series on Saturday, March 14, with a 6:30 p.m. ET matchup against Stetson at Conrad Park. The Ospreys will require to find ways to generate more offense and contain Stetson’s potent lineup to secure a victory.
Fans can follow the game live through Stetson Athletics’ website. The team will aim to adjust their strategy and capitalize on opportunities in the second game of the series.
What adjustments will the Ospreys make to their lineup and pitching rotation for Saturday’s game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
