The buzz surrounding the Stetson Hatters is growing by the week.
Thanks to a dominant two-game sweep of rival Jacksonville last weekend, the No. 20 Hatters (37-11, 11-3) are now ranked in all five national polls for the first time since 2011. More importantly, Stetson sits at No. 12 in the country in RPI, and continues to inch closer to an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament, no matter the result of the conference tournament in two weeks.
For a lot of coaches, keeping the outside noise away from the clubhouse would be a priority as the postseason draws closer. Head coach Steve Trimper, however, prefers to take a more unconventional route.
“I actually like to talk about it,” the second-year head coach said. “We sit down before every practice and go through the big picture and what’s on the line this week. We try to make them use it as a focus tool. These guys are mentally strong, a mature group of players. We’re always talking about being a blue-collar team and having toughness. Well, in order to do that you have to be able to show up and do these things.”
Righty Jack Perkins, who was named the ASUN Pitcher of the Week on Monday, said the team has responded well to Trimper’s approach.
“He always says if you feel pressure you’re not prepared,” said Perkins, who is tied with ace Logan Gilbert for most wins this season (eight). “I think it’s better to know what the goals are. I like to sets goals and play my best to get to achieve them, and I think the team likes that, too.”
The goal this weekend at Florida Gulf Coast is simple, according to Trimper.
“Win the series,” he said.
That’s easier said than done.
The Eagles sit at 31-16 this season, and have plenty of offensive firepower and pitching to counter anything the Hatters throw at them. FGCU ranks second the conference in ERA (3.93) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.81), and has allowed the fewest home runs (16) of any pitching staff in the league.
The Eagles lead the ASUN in batting average (.287), slugging (.418), on-base percentage (.380), runs scored (295), hits (466), home runs (39) and RBIs (273).
All that being said, FGCU does come into the weekend series on a four-game losing streak. The Hatters, meanwhile, have won seven in a row, dating back to April 24.
“They’re a well-coached team,” Trimper said. “Losing four in a row with that team is only going to get their juices flowing a little bit. We’re not going to expect anything but the best. The game plan is to win every series, and obviously it’s going to be a little more difficult on the road, so it’s one game at a time.
First pitch on Friday is set for 6:30 p.m. Gilbert (8-1, 2.61) will get the ball for Stetson to open the series. FGCU will counter with senior right-hander Mario Leon (5-4, 2.71), who has never pitched against the Hatters in his career.