DELAND, Fla. - After a four-game road trip the Stetson Hatters were back in action at the MAC, playing host to North Alabama to open a three-game ASUN series. RIght Austin Amaral turned in a huge performance for the Hatters, striking out a season-high 10 batters to lead the Hatters to the 5-2 win.
Amaral (4-2) was huge for the Hatters in earning his fourth win of the season, limiting the Lions (5-19, 0-7 ASUN) to just a pair of hits while allowing no walks over 7.0 innings. His 10 strikeouts on the night is tied for his career-high.

The Hatters generated the game's first threat in the second, loading the bases thanks to a walk from first baseman Landon Moran and back-to-back HBP's from third baseman Yohann Dessureault and catcher Christian Pregent, but they were unable to capitalize.

Stetson (16-11, 5-2 ASUN) broke the deadlock in the third, when second baseman Andrew Estrella got things going with a walk. After moving into scoring position on a fielder's choice, Estrella came in to score on a single to right-center from left fielder David Bermudez, who then saw himself driven in thanks to a double from Moran to put the Hatters up 2-0.

That would be all the offense either side could manage until the top of the eighth, when North Alabama scratched out a run to cut into the Hatter lead, but Pregent cut down a would-be base stealer at second to end any further threat.

Stetson got the run, and more, back in their half of the frame, as right fielder Jayden Hylton and Estrella worked walks before center fielder Cameron Hill planted his third home run of the season off the scoreboard in right field to give the Hatters a 5-1 cushion.

UNA plated a run in the top of the ninth and brought the tying run to the plate, but a fielder's choice and a ground out ended the game.

Nick Durgin earned his second save of the season, allowing a pair of runs and picking up two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of work.

Hill had a big day at the plate for Stetson, going -2-for-5 with a three-run homer, while Bermudez and Moran each added a pair of hits and Dessureult chipped in with a ahit and two HBP's.

Stetson and North Alabama return to action Saturday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 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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