DeLand, Fla. ? Freshmen Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.) and Jeff Simpson (Valrico, Fla.) ignited the offense and led Stetson to a 12-6 win over Lipscomb University Saturday afternoon on Melching Field. Both newcomers produced the best offensive efforts of their young careers. Simpson was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI, while Emory was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 RBI and a run scored.

Also, it is impossible not to mention junior Jeremy Cruz (Miami, Fla.) who was back to his old self going 3-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI

In an afternoon game that started two hours early in order to avoid imminent inclement weather, Stetson jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the 2^nd inning and three runs in the 3^rd.

Justin Bass (DeLand, Fla.) led off the 2^nd and was promptly hit by a pitch. He then stole second and was joined on base by catcher Josh Clendenin (Atlanta, Ga.) who drew a walk. Freshman Sean Emory (Miami, Fla.), who earned the starting nod at 2^nd base today came through immediately with a double down the left field line and a pair of runs batted in.

The third inning began with Casey Frawley (New Haven, Ct.) reaching on an error by the first baseman. Robert Crews (Port Charlotte, Fla.) pinch ran for Frawley and advanced all the way to 3^rd base when the pitcher's pick off attempt sailed over the first baseman and well down into foul territory. Cruz then stepped in and delivered his first RBI with a single up the middle. Next up was the DH Aaron Crittenden (Fort Myers, Fla.) who laced a double to right-center driving in Cruz from first base. Bass followed and reached on a fielder's choice and then scored on an RBI double by freshman Frank Florio (Long Valley, NJ).

Hatters fans began to worry just a bit when the Bisons scored a run in the 5^th inning and three more in the 6^th to make the score 5-4 Stetson. The worry was short-lived however, as the Hatters answered with two more runs in the bottom of the 6^th. The runs were the result of Simpson's first RBI off a double, and a single by Crews driving in Simpson.

Stetson broke the game wide open with five runs in the 7^th to go up 12-4. The Hatters opened the inning with four consecutive singles by Bass, Brian Pruitt (Miami, Fla.), Clendenin, and Jacob deGrom (DeLeon Springs, Fla.). The first three loaded the bases and the fourth knocked in Bass for the inning's first run. After balk that scored Pruitt and a pop out to third base, Simpson stepped up with a double to left-center and two more runs batted in. Cruz knocked in Simpson with Stetson's final run on a sacrifice fly deep into left field.

It was an impressive offensive performance for the Hatters who needed to rebound from last night's disappointing loss to Lipscomb. Heading into the 9^th inning in that game tied at 1-1, the Bisons scored three runs to secure the win. It was a game that was delayed by an hour and 20 minutes due to lightning and heavy rain.

Tonight's starting pitcher Jake Hitchcock (Alachua, Fla.) threw 5 2/3 innings giving up 5 hits, 4 runs and striking out two batters. He picked up his second win of the year against three losses. Freshman Nick Bohne (Melbourne, Fla.) pitched the final two innings and surrendered no runs and just 2 hits while striking out three.