CARROLLTON, GA – The Stetson Hatters broke a 6-6 tie in the seventh inning and held on for an 8-6 win over the West Georgia Wolves on Friday night. Juan De La Cruz homered for the third time this season to help propel the Hatters to victory.

Senior Ty Van Dyke (2-0) earned the win out of the bullpen for Stetson (15-12, 5-2). The right-hander pitched 2.2 shutout innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and striking out six. Sophomore Jake Gorelick also contributed on the mound, throwing 2.1 innings and allowing one run on three hits, with no walks and one strikeout. James Hays made his first start since the season opener, striking out three batters in 2.2 innings of work.

De La Cruz led the Hatters offensively, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. As a team, the Hatters out-hit the Wolves 10-8 and stole five bases, including two by De La Cruz.

Stetson jumped on the board early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Junior Landon Russell's triple to center field drove in both runs, marking his third triple of the season.

The Hatters briefly lost the lead but regained it in the second inning, trailing 3-2. Stetson plated three runs in the frame, highlighted by De La Cruz's two-run homer, giving the Hatters a 5-3 advantage.

West Georgia battled back to tie the game at five, but Stetson took a 6-5 lead in the sixth inning on an RBI single from freshman Foster Apple.

The Wolves tied the game again at six, but the Hatters pulled ahead in the eighth inning, scoring twice. One of the runs came from Apple's one-out single, giving Stetson an 8-6 lead. The Hatters held onto that lead for the remainder of the game, securing the win.

Stetson will return to action for game two of the three-game series against West Georgia on Saturday, March 29, at 3:00 PM.