DeLAND, FL – The Stetson Hatters were bested 8-1 by the Indiana Hoosiers at Melching Field on Friday night, despite a strong performance from starting pitcher Turner Spoljaric. The Hatters committed four errors in the field, an uncharacteristic display in the loss.

Spoljaric (0-1), a junior right-hander, took the mound for Stetson, who is now 4-5 on the season. He went five innings, allowing just one run on five hits, striking out two, and walking none. Senior Justin Solimine came out of the bullpen for two innings, surrendering one run on one hit, with no walks and three strikeouts.

The Hatters were trailing 3-0 entering the seventh inning when they finally got on the board. Junior centerfielder Landon Russell delivered an RBI knock up the middle to score sophomore Juan De La Cruz from third. However, Indiana put up five more runs to close out the game, pushing the final score to 8-1.

Six different Hatters recorded a hit, including Evan Griffis, who doubled down the right-field line in the second inning. Stetson also drew four walks from Indiana's pitchers, with De La Cruz leading the way with two, including one that resulted in a stolen base.

The Hatters will return to Melching Field tomorrow for a doubleheader, starting with game two against the Hoosiers at 1:00 PM, followed by a 5:00 PM matchup against Mount St. Mary's.