Orlando, Fla. - Although they had plenty of opportunities, the Stetson Hatters had a hard time cashing in their chances, leaving 11 runners on base despite producing just four hits in a 5-3 setback at the hands of the UCF Knights on Tuesday night at John Euliano Park.

Senior Chris Gonzalez (0-1) got the ball to start for Stetson (4-4) and took the loss after struggling with his command. Sophomore right-hander Austin Amaral and freshman left-hander Cooper Smith were able to keep the Hatters close by throwing well out of the pen, but Stetson's offense wasn't able to make up for the four early runs by the Knights (7-1).

Senior Cameron Hill was the only Hatter to dent the plate in the game, reaching base four times and using his speed to score three runs. Hill swiped four bags in the game, giving him seven on the year. It was the most stolen bases in a single game by a Stetson player since Jacob Koos swiped four bags against Bethune-Cookman on May 2, 2017.

The Hatters got the scoring started early, putting a run on the board in the first inning. Hill came across to score the run after drawing a leadoff walk from UCF starter Ruddy Gomez (1-0), moving up on a ground out and a wild pitch and then scoring on another ground out.

The Knights answered right back, scoring two in the first inning and a single run in the second, all off Gonzalez, who waked three and surrendered four in his inning-plus of work. Ben McCabe singled home the first UCF run to tie the game and a bases-loaded walk forced home the second run. Consecutive doubles to open the UCF second inning ended the night for Gonzalez. Amaral came on in relief, but allowed a run on a ground out before getting out of the inning.

Hill brought Stetson back to within one run in the top of the third when he was hit by a pitch, stole second, moved to third on a bad pickoff throw and then scored on a wild pitch. 

UCF expanded its lead to 4-2 when Alex Freeland homered in the third. 

Hill got the Hatters back to within a run in the seventh when he drew a one-out walk, stole second and third and scored on a single by Jake Bullard. Stetson had a chance to plate more runs in the inning, loading the bases before Kyle Kramer, the fifth of six UCF hurlers, came on the snuff out the inning with a strikeout.

Stetson threatened again in the ninth, with Hill leading the charge with a bunt single to open the inning. Bullard followed one out later with a walk, but UCF closer Ben Vespi was able to close out the Hatters without allowing a run to earn his second save of the year.

The Hatters will return home to Melching Field this weekend to host games against both Sacred Heart (0-5) and Bethune-Cookman (1-6). Both of those teams have games scheduled on Wednesday before traveling to DeLand for the weekend. In addition to Stetson's games against Sacred Heart on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday next week, and the single game against the Wildcats on Saturday, the Pioneers will square off against BCU on Saturday (2 p.m.) and again on Sunday (11 a.m.).

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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