DeLAND, Fla - Following their stunning comeback win over Austin Peay on Friday night, the force was not with the Hatters tonight for Star Wars Night as they stranded 13 runners on base in a 12-4 setback at the hands of the Governors at Melching Field on Saturday night. This marks only the fifth time this season that Stetson dropped a game that they struck first in.
Senior Aric McAtee, now 1-2 on the season, took the loss on the mound for Stetson, who falls to 30-17 and 15-8 against the rest of the ASUN. Senior John Modugno started the ballgame and went 3.2 innings, surrendering one run on four hits, walking none and striking out two.
The Hatters got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Stetson got an RBI single from freshman Kyle Jones, plating sophomore Jayden Hylton from third base.
The Governors then rallied to score three runs and take a 3-1 lead before the Hatters got back on the board in the seventh. Stetson scored once on an RBI single off the bat of junior Gio Cueto, which tightened the Governors lead to 3-2.
Austin Peay expanded their lead to 12-2 before the Stetson offense cut into the deficit, reducing that lead to 12-4 in the ninth. The Hatters picked up two runs when a single from sophomore Landon Moran scored sophomore Isaiah Barkett and senior Mike Handal. The Hatters were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
Despite the score, the Hatters were only out-hit 11-10 while three Hatters recorded multiple hits including Jones, who has now tallied 18 multi-hit games. The freshman center fielder also extended his on-base streak to 34 consecutive games with a 2-for-5 performance.
Stetson looks to win the pivotal series in the finale at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 5 at Melching Field at Conrad Park.
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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