JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Stetson Hatters and North Florida Ospreys took to the field in Jacksonville Sunday afternoon looking to settle their ASUN series after splitting the first two games on Friday and Saturday. The Hatters found themselves leading late after rallying from behind, but ultimately fell 8-7.


In stark contrast to yesterday's match-up, the Hatters and Ospreys found themselves locked in a pitcher's duel early, with Stetson (15-11, 4-2 ASUN) starter Jonathan Gonzalez and his UNF counterpart combining for nine strikeouts and just two baserunners through the first three innings. 


The Hatters would break the deadlock in the fourth though, as center fielder Cameron Hill worked a leadoff walk and came in to score on a double to the fence in right-center field from right fielder David Bermudez for the 1-0 lead. 


North Florida (14-11, 3-3 ASUN) got the run back on a solo shot in the bottom of the inning, before striking four times in the fifth to build a 5-1 lead, but the Hatters had an answer of their own in the form of a five-run sixth inning. Hill again got things started, this time with a one-out double down the right-field line, before Bermudez collected his fourth home run of the season, driving a 2-0 offering out to left-center field to pull the Hatters to within two, 5-3. 


Stetson wasn't done in the inning though, with third baseman Yohann Dessureault reaching on a single and moving to second on a wild pitch. After an out and an Andrew Estrella hit-by-pitch, designated hitter Daniel Labrador got in on the action driving in both runners and himself with his fourth home run of the week to put the Hatters up 6-5. 


The Hatters would add a run in the top of the ninth inning, when shortstop Lorenzo Meola worked a two-out walk. Meola moved into scoring position on a single from first baseman Landon Moran, before some heads-up baserunning saw him score from second on an infield single from Hill. 


The lead wouldn't hold, however, as UNF would plate three to take the game 8-7.


Bermudez continued his red-hot week at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBI, while Hill went 2-for-3 with a double, an HBP, and a run scored. 


Stetson returns to the MAC for their next four games; a three-game ASUN series against North Alabama next weekend, followed by a midweek tilt against FIU the following Tuesday. The Hatters and Lions will take the field at 6:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, before closing the series at 12:00 PM on Sunday. After a day off, Stetson will welcome the FIU Panthers at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 4th. 

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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