Tuesday, March 21, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Stetson earned its second victory of the season against a top-10 team as the Hatters defeated no. 9 Florida 7-6 Tuesday night at McKethan Stadium.

Freshman Brian Pruitt went 3-for-5 with a home run as the Hatters (11-12) won for the fourth time in their last six games.

The Gators (17-8) hit three home runs in the contest but suffered just their second loss in their last 10 games.

After trailing 5-0 and 7-4, Florida rallied to within one run late but went 0-for-7 with the tying run in scoring position over the final three innings. Robbie Elsemiller struck out Matt LaPorta with tying run on third base in the bottom of the ninth inning to end the game.

“I am really proud of the way we came up here and competed,” Hatters head coach Pete Dunn said. “Hopefully a win like this will kick start our ballclub. Now we have to get healthy in conference play.”