DELAND, Fla. - The Stetson Hatters took to the field at the MAC for a final non-conference tuneup before opening ASUN play later this week, taking down the Fairfield Stags 7-5.

Fairfield took the lead early, thanks to a 2-run home run in the top of the first inning, but Stetson wasted no time in getting one back in the bottom of the frame. After the Hatters loaded the bases on a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a single from third baseman David Bermudez worked an eight pitch at-bat into a walk to drive in left fielder Evan Griffis and cut the Stag lead in half, 2-1.
Right fielder Jayden Hylton reset the score the next inning, lifting his fifth home run of the season over the fence in straightaway center field to even things up at 2-2.
 
Second baseman Yohann Desserault got things started for Stetson in the bottom of the third, drawing a walk and moving to third on a single from first baseman Landon Moran. Catcher Christian Pregent drove him in with a single to left field to give the Hatters their first lead of the day, before some heads up baserunning saw Moran score from second to push the lead to 4-2 on an infield single from Hylton.
Fairfield looked ready to respond in the fourth, loading the bases with one out, but reliever TJ Melani was able to get a strikeout and a fielder's choice to escape the jam and leave the bases loaded.
Fairfield would plate three runs in the top of the fifth for a 5-4 lead, and it looked like Stetson would respond immediately, as the Hatters loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning before coming up empty-handed.
 
The Hatters would find an answer in the sixth however, as center fielder Cameron Hill walked and Griffis singled to open the inning. After each stole a base, Moran capitalized, dropping a pop-up just inside the line in shallow left field to drive both runners in and put Stetson back on top. Moran would then come in to score on a single up the middle from Bermudez, giving the Hatters a 7-5 lead and closing out the scoring for the day.
 
Moran led the Stetson offense on the day, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored, and two stolen bases, while Hylton was 2-for-3 with a home run, two  RBI, and a run scored.
Cooper Smith (1-0) picked up the win for the Hatters, throwing 3.0 scoreless innings and striking out one, while Cole Stallings earned his second save of the season, working a scoreless ninth inning.

The Hatters are back in action this weekend, opening ASUN play by hosting Kennesaw State at the MAC. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 PM on Sunday. Fans can expect a full slate of promotions beginning this week and extending throughout the rest of the season. Every time a Hatter hits a home run, the Page Insurance Agency T-Shirt Toss will see shirts thrown to fans in the stands; every fourth inning a fan will take part in the Coca-Cola Cornhole Toss which sees the winner taking home a brand new Nintendo Switch; and fans can also look forward to the Jeremiah's Ice Winning Inning. Anytime the Hatters score a run in the sixth inning, one lucky row will receive coupons for a free small ice at the DeLand Jeremiah's Ice located at 2369 S. Woodland Boulevard


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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