The Stetson Hatters were no match for Bethune-Cookman senior right-hander German Hernandez and two Wildcats relievers on Tuesday night at Melching Field in a 6-2 B-CU victory.

Hernandez (4-3) limited the Hatters to just two hits over seven innings of work to help the Wildcats (20-22) snap a four-game losing skid to Stetson (20-21).

“We had a bad combination tonight; we got out-pitched and we got out-hit. It was that simple,” Hatters head coach Pete Dunn said. “We fell behind early in the game and had to play catch-up and Hernandez did a tremendous job for them on the mound. When we did take a run at it, (Zach) Olszewski came in and got the big ground ball when they needed it to get the save.”

B-CU scored all the runs it needed in the first three innings off Stetson starter Jack Perkins (1-2). The freshman struggled with his command, falling behind in counts, and the Wildcats took advantage.

Bethune-Cookman freshman Josten Heron had the biggest offensive night for the Wildcats, delivering two-run singles in both the second and third innings as B-CU scored all six of its runs in those two frames. All four runs in the third inning came with two outs on the board as the Wildcats produced five hits, all singles, with a walk thrown in.

“They did everything they needed to do,” Dunn said. “They pitched well, the swung the bats well and had some big two-out hits early in the game, and they made every play in the field.

“We had three freshmen on the mound tonight. It was just unfortunate that Jack didn't have good command. He got behind early and walked a couple of guys and we haven't proved that we can be a great team coming from behind.”

After that third inning, the duo of Erik Wiebke and Joey Gonzalez shut the Wildcats down. B-CU managed just two base runners over the final six frames.

The Hatters scored their only runs in the third inning. Jacob Koos opened the frame by drawing a walk before Vance Vizcaino blasted a two-run homer, his second of the year.

Stetson's only other scoring chance came in the eighth inning off reliever Joseph Calamita. The Hatters loaded the bases with two outs thanks to an infield single by Vizcaino, a walk and a hit batter. With the tying run at the plate, the Wildcats called on Olszewski, who got Kirk Sidwell to ground out to end the threat.

Olszewski worked a perfect ninth to earn his first save of the year, but it was the effort Hernandez turned in that most impressed the Hatters' coach.

“He put the ball in play and his defense played flawlessly behind him,” Dunn said. “You just have to tip your hat to Hernandez and their pitching staff. They did everything well and made us pay for it.”

The Hatters will return to Atlantic Sun Conference play this weekend with a three-game home series against Jacksonville. Friday's game will be the Hatters' annual Autism Awareness game and will also be Student-Athlete Appreciation night. Saturday's game will be Scout Day and Sunday will be Teacher Appreciation Day.

Game times are set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with a 1 p.m. start on Sunday.