FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Stetson dropped the opening game of its four-game series at No. 6 Arkansas on Friday night, falling 7-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium.
The Hatters (5-9) collected eight hits but struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving 11 runners stranded on base. Arkansas (11-3) used a fast start and timely hitting to secure the victory in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The Razorbacks wasted little time taking control, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. After reaching on a throwing error, Arkansas opened the scoring with a double before adding three more runs on a series of base hits to build a 4-0 advantage.
Stetson had chances to answer early but was unable to push a run across against the Razorbacks' pitching staff.
Arkansas extended its lead in the fifth inning, plating three more runs to stretch the margin to 7-0. A sacrifice fly brought home the first run of the frame before back-to-back RBI singles added two more.
The Hatters finally broke through in the seventh inning. Juan De la Cruz started the rally with a double down the right field line and later came around to score when Renzo Gonzalez delivered an RBI single to center field, trimming the deficit to 7-1.
Despite the late push, Stetson was unable to mount further offense over the final two innings.
Zane Coppersmith took the loss after starting the game for the Hatters. James Hays provided length out of the bullpen, working four innings while striking out three. Andrew Lepine delivered 1.1 scoreless innings of relief, and Lathan Haywood closed out the contest with two shutout frames while allowing just one hit and inducing two double plays.
At the plate, De la Cruz, Gonzalez and Samuel Fernandez each recorded two hits to lead the Stetson offense.
KEY PERFORMERS
• Juan De la Cruz — 2-for-4, double, walk, run scored
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Renzo Gonzalez — 2-for-5, RBI
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Samuel Fernandez — 2-for-4
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Lathan Haywood — 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB
GAME NOTES
• Friday's contest marked the first-ever meeting between Stetson and Arkansas.
• Stetson recorded eight hits in the game, with three Hatters collecting multi-hit performances.
• The Hatters left 11 runners on base, including multiple opportunities in the middle innings.
• Stetson pitchers combined to face 40 Arkansas hitters in the contest.
• Haywood closed the game with two scoreless innings, helping keep Arkansas off the board late.
NEXT UP
Stetson and No. 6 Arkansas continue their four-game series on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET at Baum-Walker Stadium. The game will be broadcast to ESPN+ through SEC Network+.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
