The Stetson Hatters had a tough showing on Tuesday, falling to the No. 15 Florida Gators 8-1 at Melching Field.
Sophomore Anthony DeFabbia (0-1) got the ball to start for Stetson (2-2) and took the loss. Freshman Zane Coppersmith was a bright spot for the Hatters, coming out of the bullpen and throwing two shutout innings, allowing no hits, with no walks and three strikeouts.
Stetson managed just three hits against a quintet of Gators pitchers. Connor Kehl had an infield single in the second inning, sophomore Dylan Brazil had a pinch-hit single in the fifth and freshman Juan Correa had a pinch-hit single in the ninth.
Florida (2-2) broke out of its early season offensive woes with 14 hits in game. Freshman Tucker Talbot made his first start for the Gators and delivered four hits. Sterlin Thompson fell a triple short of hitting for the cycle and drove in three runs with his three hits.
Sophomore right-hander Nick Ficarrotta (1-0), the third pitcher for the Gators, got the win with 4.2 shutout innings, allowing just one hit with six strikeouts.
Stetson senior Cameron Hill plated the only run for the Hatters, reaching on a fielder's choice in the third. He advanced on a balk, stole third and came in to score on a wild pitch.
The Hatters will return to action at Melching Field on Friday night when they open a three-game series against Columbia from the Ivy League. Game times are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF).
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