Sunday, March 12, 2006

Baton Rouge, La. – Stetson rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat eighth-ranked LSU 9-8 Sunday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium.

The Hatters (8-10) won the final game of the three-game series in dramatic fashion and ended the Tigers’ streak of 133 consecutive wins when leading after eight innings.

“Our guys really battled today and I am very proud of them,” Hatters head coach Pete Dunn said. “We swung the bats a lot better and played well defensively. This was a good win over a very good ball club and hopefully it will be a catalyst for our team.”

Trailing 8-5 in the top of the ninth, the Hatters loaded the bases with no outs on a hit-by-pitch, a walk, and a single by Brandon Paritz. Brian Pruitt then hit a potential double play ball that went through the legs of shortstop Michael Hollander, allowing two runs to score. Chris Johnson and Brian Bocock each followed with RBI singles to give the Hatters a 10-9 lead.

A lead-off walk and a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the ninth put the tying run on second base for the Tigers (16-3). But Brett Murphy retired Hollander on a pop out and then made a nice play on a ground ball by Jarred Bogany to preserve the victory.