DELAND, Fla. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears dropped Game 2 to the Stetson Hatters on Friday, losing 7-4 at Melching Field.

UCA (23-28, 12-16) fell behind 4-0 after two innings but tied the game with a pair of runs in both the third and fourth innings to get back in it. However, the second-place Hatters (36-19, 19-10) added a single run in the fifth and two more in the seventh to hold off the Bears.

In the third inning, junior second baseman Tanner Leonard led off with a double down the left-field line and went to third on a ground out. Senior center fielder Drew Sturgeon followed with an RBI triple to right field. Junior third baseman made it 4-2 with an RBI single to right that scored Sturgeon.

In the fourth, the Bears loaded the bases on a pair of walks to Hayden and Kade Seldomridge and a bunt single by Mason King. Two runs eventually scored on A.J. Mendolia's single to left center to tie it at 4-4.

The Bears finished with five hits by five different players. UCA used three pitchers, who combined to allow five earned runs. Stetson had six hits, including two home runs.

The series finale is set for noon (CST) Saturday.