ORLANDO, Fla. - The Stetson Hatters made the short trip to John Euliano Park in Orlando to take on the UCF Knights on Tuesday. The Hatters rallied from an early deficit before ultimately falling 7-6 in walk-off fashion.

UCF (21-16) built an early lead behind a run in the second and two in the third, but Stetson (21-17) battled back, cutting into that lead thanks to an RBI single from designated hitter Trae Harmon.

After both sides stranded runners in scoring position in the fifth, the Hatters went back to work in the sixth. First baseman Landon Moran was hit by a pitch to open the inning before Stetson loaded the bases on a single from catcher Christian Pregent and a walk from centerfielder Jayden Hylton. Shortstop Lorenzo Meola took advantage, driving in Moran and Pregent with a double to right-center to even things up. After a wild pitch scored Hylton and gave the Hatters the lead, third baseman Drew Wyers dropped a double into left field to drive in Meola and make the advantage 5-3 Hatters.

Stetson added on to the lead in the seventh inning, when pinch hitter Daniel Labrador ripped a double down the left-field line to plate left fielder David Bermudez.

A two-run UCF home run cut the Stetson lead to 6-5 after eight innings, and the Knights were able to complete the comeback, plating a pair in the bottom of the ninth for the win.

Moran led the way offensively for the Hatters reaching base behind a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch, while Harmon and Wyers each tallied a pair of hits on the night.
 
Stetson returns to ASUN action this weekend, heading to Conway, Arkansas for a three-game set at Central Arkansas. The Hatters and Bears will face off at 7:00 PM on Friday, 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 2:00 PM on Sunday.


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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