Stetson shortstop Matt Morales's two-run double in the top of the fourth inning lifted the Hatters to an 8-5 win over FIU Tuesday night at the FIU ballpark. It was one of 13 hits for Stetson (7-6) who defeated FIU (5-9) for the third time in the last four meetings.

The Hatters scored three runs in the top of the second inning, helped by two FIU errors, to take a 3-0 lead. Jack Machonis had an RBI double and Colton Lightner had an RBI single in the inning.

The Panthers answered with a four-run bottom of the second inning to seize a 4-3 advantage. Nick Day led off the FIU second with his team-leading third home run of the season.

After the Panthers loaded the bases in the second, Rey Perez delivered a two-run single to right field to tie the score. Oliver Francis, who was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning, came around to score the go-ahead run on an error by Stetson third baseman Lightner off a ground ball hit by Kolby Follis.

But the FIU lead was short-lived. With two outs in the top of the fourth inning Lightner singled and Cory Reid walked before Morales laced the eventual game-winning two-run double off FIU reliever Willy Fabra (0-1) into the left center field gap.

Hatters' right-hander Josh Thorne (1-0) pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Adam Schaly to record the win. Walker Sheller notched his third save with 1 1/3 shutout innings.

Perez led FIU going 3 for 4 with three RBI and is 7 for 10 on the season. Kenny Meimerstorf was 2 for 5.

FIU returns to the diamond Wednesday afternoon when Illinois State comes to town for a single mid-week game at 3 p.m. The game can be heard on the FIU Sports Radio Network.