Florida Gulf Coast University earned a share of the ASUN Conference baseball championship with a 6-5 victory over Stetson on Sunday before lightning and rain forced the tournament’s conclusion.
The Eagles took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, highlighted by Jaret Nelson’s RBI double and Tyler Herb’s RBI single. Nelson added a two-run home run in the fifth, tying the game at 4-4. FGCU added two more runs on a hit batter and a bases-loaded walk, giving the Eagles a 6-4 lead. Stetson responded with a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 6-5.
Weather delays then halted play in the top of the seventh inning. After nearly six hours of rain and lightning, the Atlantic Sun Conference decided to call the game. ASUN commissioner Jeff Bacon issued the following statement:
"Despite tremendous efforts, we were unable to complete the 2025 Atlantic Sun Conference Baseball Tournament due to inclement weather. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has been declared the winner of today's first championship game and, with FGCU and Stetson University (Stetson) having a 1-1 record versus each other, both FGCU and Stetson will be recognized as 2025 ASUN Co-Tournament Champions. Per ASUN policy, Stetson University will be awarded our 2025 Automatic Qualifier. Congratulations to both teams for an outstanding season, and best wishes to the Hatters as they continue on."
Gulf Coast News has reached out to the ASUN Conference for clarification on the ruling and is awaiting a response.
Stetson entered the ASUN Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Graphite division with a 24-6 conference record, compared to FGCU’s 16-14 mark. The Hatters advanced to the championship game with a perfect 3-0 record, including a 5-4 win over FGCU earlier in the tournament.
FGCU finished the season 31-29. Eagles players named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team include Logan Baisley, Ryland Bozenhard, Evan Dempsey, Jake McKee and co-MVP Jaret Nelson.