LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The Stetson Hatters showed they have some fight and determination, but still fell just a little short in their ASUN series opener Friday evening at Worthington Field.

Down 3-1 entering the ninth inning, Stetson rallied for a pair of runs to tie the game, but Liberty answered in the bottom of the inning, getting a two-out RBI single from backup catcher Three Hillyer to give the 15th-ranked Flames a 4-3 victory.

In a game filled with tension, both squads had issues with the strike zone of home plate umpire Nathan Hamlett. Liberty head coach Scott Jackson was ejected in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes and Stetson head coach Steve Trimper and pitching coach Dave Therneau came close to the same fate in the seventh after Hatters' captain Chris Gonzalez failed to get a crucial call on a 3-2 pitch.

If that pitch had been called a strike, the Hatters would have gotten out of the inning with no damage but Liberty took advantage of the opportunity. With the bases loaded and one out, the Flames (15-5, 3-1) got consecutive run scoring infield hits to turn a 1-1 game into a 3-1 Liberty lead.

That was where things stayed until the Stetson ninth when freshman Yohann Dessureault led off against Liberty closer Cade Hungate (1-0) with a solo home run off the batters' eye in center field. After a walk and a single by Brandon Hylton put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base, the Flames got the first out on a fielder's choice and the second on a strikeout before Cameron Hill lined a two-out hit through the right side to score pinch-runner Connor Kehl, tying the game.

Freshman Andrew Estrella, who had a pair of doubles early in the game, was unable to deliver another big hit, leaving a pair of runners in scoring position. Overall in the game Stetson left eight runners on base, four at third base. 

Sophomore Austin Amaral (1-1) took the loss out of the bullpen for Stetson (12-9, 0-4). Sophomore Nick Durgin started the game for Stetson, working four innings while allowing one run on six hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. Gonzalez also worked four frames, allowing the two runs in the seventh on five hits with six strikeouts.

Estrella's two extra base hits were the highlight of a 2-for-5 day, and included two doubles. Freshman Yohann Dessureault put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Senior Cameron Hill also chipped in for the Hatters, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

Both teams scored in the first inning on two hits. Hill and Estrella got things started for the Hatters with consecutive hits off Liberty starter Joe Adametz. Nick DiPonzio plated the run with a ground ball in the infield, but the Hatters left Estrella at third.

The Flames got their run in the bottom of the inning when Derek Ordorff led off the game with a single, moved up on a wild pitch and then stole third. He scored on a double by Stephen Hill, but Durgin was able to avoid further damage, stranding Hill at second.

The Hatters will try to even the series on Saturday when the two teams square off in the second game of the series at 4 p.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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