JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Stetson Hatters mounted a furious ninth-inning rally, scoring four runs in the final frame, but ultimately came up just short in an 11-9 loss to the North Florida Ospreys on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Jonathan Gonzalez (6-2) took the loss on the mound for Stetson (28-16, 17-3), making the start in game two of the weekend series.

Offensively, freshman Foster Apple led the way for the Hatters, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Sophomore Nelphie Lopez had a standout day at the plate as well, finishing 3-for-5 with a walk and an RBI. Junior Landon Moran added two hits in four at-bats, drew two walks, and drove in a run. Seven Hatters recorded multi-hit games as Stetson outhit North Florida 15-11, including two hits in six chances with the bases loaded.

The Hatters struck first, plating two runs in the opening inning. Jordan Taylor drew a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, and Apple followed with a sacrifice fly to bring home Juan De La Cruz.

After the Ospreys tied it at 2-2, Stetson reclaimed the lead in the second when Landon Russell crossed the plate to make it 3-2.

North Florida responded with a surge of their own, taking a 6-3 lead into the sixth. Stetson chipped away with an RBI single from Taylor to make it 6-4, but the Ospreys stretched their advantage to 9-4.

The Hatters stayed within striking distance after De La Cruz delivered an RBI single in the seventh to cut it to 9-5. The Ospreys tacked on two more runs to lead 11-5 heading into the ninth.

Stetson made things interesting in the final frame, scoring four runs to tighten the gap. Apple came through with a two-run single to highlight the rally, but the comeback ultimately fell short as the game ended at 11-9.

The Hatters will look to bounce back and take the series in the finale, set for Sunday at 1:00 PM in Jacksonville.