DeLand, Fla. - The Stetson Hatters were back in action at the MAC on Sunday afternoon, playing host to the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Hatters found themselves down early and were unable to rally, falling on the day by a final tally of 9-2.

Pittsburgh (7-5) would jump out to an early lead, plating four unearned runs in the top of the first inning.

That 4-0 edge would hold until the bottom of the fourth, when first baseman Landon Moran opened the inning with a double down the right field line, before right fielder Jayden Hylton was hit by a pitch. A fly ball deep to center from second baseman Yohann Desserault saw both runners tag up and advance, allowing a sacrifice fly from catcher Christian Pregent to score Moran and cut the Panther lead to 4-1.

A two-run home run would extend the Panther lead to 6-1 in the top of the seventh, but Stetson (8-4) would respond in the bottom half of the inning. Shortstop Andrew Estrella led off with a single to center field, before center field Cameron Hill reached on a bunt single to third base. After a wild pitch saw both runners move up, left fielder Evan Griffis flew out to the wall in left-center field to plate Estrella with a sacrifice fly and make the score 6-2 Pittsburgh.

Pitt would tack on three insurance runs in the top of the ninth to push the lead to 9-2, and the Hattters were unable to mount a rally in the bottom of the inning.

Stetson got some solid performances out of the bullpen on the day, as Cooper Smith (2.1 innings, four strikeouts), TJ Melani (2.0 innings, two strikeouts), Simon Lusignan (1.0 inning), and Jonathan Velasquez (0.2 inningss) all made scoreless appearances.
 
Stetson is back at it tomorrow evening, hosting Mount Saint Mary's at Melching FIeld. First pitch is set 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.

Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.
 
Print Friendly Version