DELAND, Fla. (Interstat) — The Minnesota Golden Gophers erupted for 16 hits to defeat the Stetson Hatters 11-5 on Friday, defying a statistical projection that heavily favored the home team. Interstat’s ELO system gave Stetson a 68 percent probability to win, but Minnesota’s bats dominated from the start.

Sam Sutherland led the charge for Minnesota, launching two home runs, including a three-run shot in the fourth inning. Teammate Drew Spanier also homered and doubled, driving in multiple runs. Stetson scored single runs in the first, second, fourth and sixth innings but never seriously threatened the Golden Gophers’ lead after the early frames.

The victory opens the season for both teams, moving Minnesota to 1-0 and dropping Stetson to 0-1. The Golden Gophers continue their Florida trip Saturday against Saint John’s, while Stetson hosts Ball State.