DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson struck early but No. 12 Florida answered with 11 unanswered runs as the Hatters dropped a 12-2 decision Tuesday night at Melching Field in the opening game of a home-and-home series.
The Hatters (0-4) grabbed momentum in the bottom of the first inning. Juan De La Cruz singled to reach base and later scored, while Renzo Gonzalez helped extend the frame before Yohann Dessureault ripped a two-RBI single up the middle to give Stetson a 2-1 lead after one.
Florida (3-1) responded in the second inning with three runs to move in front 4-2. The Gators extended their advantage with a three-run home run in the third and broke the game open in the fifth with a grand slam. A solo home run in the seventh provided the final margin.
Dessureault led the Hatters offensively, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Jack Harley continued his strong start at the plate, going 2-for-2. De La Cruz added a hit and scored a run as Stetson collected multiple hits in the opening frame.
Zane Coppersmith (0-1) made the start on the mound for Stetson. Thomas Achey delivered 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing no hits while striking out one. Stetson pitchers combined to face 39 Florida hitters, recording five groundouts and 14 flyouts on the night.
Florida was paced offensively by Kyle Jones, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs.
KEY PERFORMERS
GAME NOTES
- Stetson's highest-scoring inning was the first, when it plated two runs.
- The Hatters led 2-1 after one inning of play.
- Florida scored 11 unanswered runs after the first inning.
- Stetson pitchers faced 39 batters and recorded two strikeouts.
- Thomas Achey provided 1.1 innings of hitless, scoreless relief out of the bullpen.
- Jack Harley recorded his first multi-hit game of the season.
UP NEXT
Stetson will complete the home-and-home series at Florida tomorrow in Gainesville. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m., with the game airing live on SECN. For continued coverage, updates and highlights, visit GoHatters.com and follow Stetson Baseball on social media.
