JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Stetson Hatters found themselves down early in Saturday's ASUN match-up at North Florida, and despite a late rally, they were unable to dig themselves out of the hole, falling 16-6 in seven innings.

UNF scored five times in the first and added on three more in the third to build an 8-0 lead. Stetson was unable to generate any offense through the game's first six innings, with designated hitter David Bermudez providing the Hatters' only two hits, both singles. In both instances, he was erased on a double play.

Stetson finally broke through in the seventh, when center fielder Cameron Hill was hit by a pitch to lead the inning off. After a flyout, third baseman Yohann Dessureault cranked his third home run of the season well over the fence in right field to give the Hatters their first runs of the day. First baseman Landon Moran followed with a walk, and catcher Christian Pregent singled to right-center field to send the Ospreys to the bullpen. Following another flyout, Bermudez continued to have the hot hand, singling through the left side to drive in Moran and cut the UNF lead to 8-3. Pinch hitter Daniel Labrador then stepped in and drove his third home run of the week well clear of the fence in center to further cut into the UNF lead, 8-6.

That would be as close as the Hatters would get, however, as UNF would put up eight runs in the bottom of the inning for the 16-6, run-rule victory.

Bermudez turned in a stellar day at the plate for Stetson, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Labrador was 1-for-1 with three RBI, while Dessureault went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Labrador's seventh inning home run was his fourth this season.
 
The Hatters and Ospreys will look to settle the series tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 PM.

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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