Stetson wasted little time in extinguishing any hope for visiting Sacred Heart on Tuesday afternoon at Melching Field, scoring nine runs in the first inning before coasting to a 13-4 victory over the Pioneers, clinching a three-game series sweep.

Junior right-hander Danny Garcia was the beneficiary of the offensive output, but one run was all he needed as he mowed through the Pioneers lineup. He struck out eight Sacred Heart hitters over six innings of work without allowing a walk and scattering four hits as the Hatters improved to 7-5 on the year.

Sacred Heart falls to 1-10 on the season with the loss.

The top of the Stetson batting order did much of the damage as Cameron Hill, Anthony DeFabbia and Nick DiPonzio combined to deliver eight hits, drive home five runs and score four. Hill had a single and a triple in the first inning, scoring two runs and driving in two. Sophomore Camden Traficante, at the bottom of the order, also contributed for Stetson, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate with a double, a walk and an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first six Hatters reached base against Sacred Heart starter Luke Hanson (1-1). The first out he recorded was a sacrifice fly. The next three Stetson hitters also reached, sending Hanson to the showers early.

The Hatters added a single run in the third on a DiPonzio single and then three more in the fourth with Hill, DeFabbia and DiPonzio all driving in one run each. 

Stetson took its 13-0 lead into the seventh when Sacred Heart got on the board. Sam Mongelli homered to break up the shutout and then double in the first of three runs in the eighth inning.

Stetson will continue its homestand this coming weekend when the Hatters host Florida A&M for a three-game series at Melching Field. Games 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.

Get in on the conversation on social media by following Stetson Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For video content, visit our YouTube channels: Stetson Hatters, Stetson Athletics and, for live events, Hatter Vision.