DELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — The Minnesota Golden Gophers opened their 2026 season with a powerful offensive display, defeating the Stetson Hatters 11-5 on Friday night at Melching Field despite being heavy underdogs.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Stetson with a 68% probability to win, but Minnesota’s bats quickly silenced that forecast. The Golden Gophers amassed 16 hits, including three home runs, to secure the victory and start the year 1-0. Stetson fell to 0-1.

The most important sequence of the game came in the top of the fourth inning, which transformed a competitive contest into a commanding Minnesota lead. Entering the frame ahead 4-3, the Golden Gophers erupted for five runs, effectively putting the game out of reach.

The rally started with a walk to Ike Spanier and a single by Jake Richter, followed by a stolen base from Richter. After an out, designated hitter Kade Sutherland stepped in. Sutherland, who had already homered in the third inning, connected for his second of the game, a three-run shot to deep right field that scored Spanier and Richter, stretching the lead to 7-3.

Stetson reliever Sam Gorelick was replaced by Drew Ball, but the Minnesota onslaught continued. Brady Hamilton reached on an error, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single from Brady Lippe. Trent Bello then doubled, putting two runners in scoring position before a groundout finally ended the inning with Minnesota leading 9-3.

This outburst provided crucial cushion for the Golden Gophers’ pitching staff. Starter Cole Selvig worked three-plus innings before giving way to Joe Sperry, who earned the win in relief. Sperry navigated 2 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, only one earned, on four hits while striking out three. The Minnesota bullpen combined to hold Stetson to three runs over the final six innings.

Stetson showed early fight, scoring twice in the first inning on an RBI single from Yohann Apple and a wild pitch, and adding another run in the second on an RBI single from Anthony Gonzalez. They tacked on single runs in the fourth on an RBI double from Esteban Dessureault and in the sixth on an error, but could not overcome the large deficit.

Sutherland led the Minnesota offense, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs. Richter added three hits, three RBIs, and three stolen bases, while Spanier scored four runs and had two hits, including a solo homer in the fifth.

For Stetson, Gonzalez went 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Dessureault had three hits and an RBI. The Hatters left 12 runners on base and went 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Minnesota grounded into two double plays. Stetson used six pitchers in the game.

The Golden Gophers continue their Florida trip Saturday against Saint John’s in DeLand. Stetson will host Ball State on Saturday.