DELAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters put together a dominant performance offensively, scoring 15 runs on 13 hits, defeating Bethune-Cookman 15-2 in seven innings at Melching Field.
Stetson (19-29) got on the board in the first inning. After a single and a stolen base put a runner in scoring position, Anthony Gonzalez delivered an RBI double before Samuel Fernandez followed with an RBI single to give the Hatters a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the second, Jeter Polledo was robbed of a home run by Stetson left fielder Andrew Ezell, keeping the Wildcats scoreless.
The Hatters added to their advantage in the bottom of the frame when Landon Russell launched a two-run home run to extend the lead to 4-0.
Bethune-Cookman (33-16) got its first run in the third. Darryl Lee blasted a solo home run to right field to cut the deficit to 4-1.
Stetson responded with a decisive six-run third inning. The Hatters capitalized on timely hitting, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Andrew Ezell and a two-RBI single from Russell to push the lead to 10-1.
The Wildcats picked up another run in the fifth inning when Andrey Martinez hit a solo home run to make it 10-2.
Stetson continued to pour it on in the fifth, plating five more runs. Samuel Fernandez delivered a two-run home run, while additional runs came across on a sacrifice fly, an RBI single, and a bases-loaded walk to extend the lead to 15-2.
Bethune-Cookman was unable to generate any further offense as Stetson's pitching staff closed out the game.
Dallis Moran earned the win in relief for the Hatters, while David Morrissey was charged with the loss for the Wildcats.
- Darryl Lee finished 2-for-4 with a double and a homer.
- Andrey Martinez clubbed his tenth home run of the season.
- The Wildcats used nine pitchers, the most used in any game this season.
- B-CU pitching issued nine walks and hit seven batters, both season highs.
- Landon Russell had four RBI for Stetson.
Bethune-Cookman travels to face Alabama State for a three-game weekend series. It begins Friday with a 7 p.m. first pitch.
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--#HailWildcats--
