FIRST PITCH
Score: Stetson 11 | Queens 2
Records: Stetson (33-22 overall, 20-10 ASUN) | Queens (17-38 overall, 9-21 ASUN)
Location: Charlotte, N.C. (The Stick)
 
The Short Story: The Queens University of Charlotte baseball team wrapped up the 2023 season on Saturday afternoon against Stetson University.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

-The scoring started early as the Hatters plated four runs on four hits in the top of the first inning. The scoring was capped off by a Brandon Hylton three-run home run to left field.

-Queens would answer in the bottom of the first inning by capitalizing on a Hatters miscue. Tyler Peters singled and advanced to second on an error to open the inning. Following consecutive ground outs, JJ Sousa would reach on an error by the shortstop plating Peters.

-Stetson would add another run in the top of the third inning as Jayden Hylton singled to left field for an RBI.

-The Hatters would extend their lead to 6-1 in the top of the fourth as Cameron Hill belted a leadoff home run to right center.

-The visiting Hatters poured on four more runs on five hits in the top of the seventh. The inning was capped off with a three-run home run by Lorenzo Meola.

-Stetson added a run in the top of the eighth as Jayden Hylton blasted a solo home run to left center.

-With two outs in the eighth inning, Andrew McDermott belted a solo home run to right center keeping the game alive.

BY THE NUMBERS
-Sophomore Andrew McDermott led the offense with a 2-for-4 day, including a solo home run in the eighth inning. McDermott extended his hitting streak to five straight games, including his fourth straight multi-hit performance.

-Tyler Peters turned in a 1-for-4 afternoon as he recorded a hit in six of the last eight games.

-Riley Cheek finished the day 1-for-3 with two walks as he finished the season with a .324 average.

-Senior Zach Kelly tossed 6.0 innings allowing seven runs while fanning three Hatters. The 6.0 innings marked the fourth straight game in which Kelly has gone at least 5.0.

-After missing the last two seasons due to injury, senior Will Palinkas made his Royals debut with a 94MPH fastball.

-Joseph Rodriguez made his 12^th appearance and tossed a scoreless frame with two strikeouts.

-Seniors Kei Yamagishi, Justin Offschanka, and Ben Bartilson made appearances out of the bullpen. Offschanka tossed 1.1 innings picking up a strikeout.

-The Royals played mistake-free baseball on defense committing zero errors.

-Despite the loss, Queens finished the regular season strong going 10-7 down the final stretch.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the baseball program on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with Queens Baseball throughout the offseason. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media @QueensAthletics, to stay up to date with all of the Royals' Athletics.