Andrew Ildefonso Hits Walk-Off Home Run in Comeback Victory

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MIAMI, FL – After a blowout loss against Stony Brook to start the series, FIU sought to return to the diamond today with vengeance. FIU was able to come through with a huge inning in the sixth after trailing 4-2 to take the lead.

However, they lost the lead in the ninth inning after the Seawolves put up four runs to get their original lead back. Then, Andrew Ildefonso became the unsung hero for the Panthers, hitting a walk-off home run in a 10-9 comeback victory.

Both Programs Trade Runs

George Adams got the start on the mound today, his third of the season. Chanz Doughty gave the Seawolves their first two runs with a home run that put them on the board.

After that, Adams was able to settle into the game and avoid any further distractions. The Panthers responded in the bottom of the frame. With runners on first and second, Aidan Cohall doubled to center field, scoring Samuel Fischer. Luca Reyes got the green light to run home, but he was tagged out at the plate, making FIU settle for just one run.

NO. DOUBTER. 💥

Mario destroys a 411 ft homer to tie us up at two! pic.twitter.com/ViCLPJdUMl

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 28, 2026

Mario Trivella tied the game in the second with his fifth home run of the season. With Adams garnering the run support, he was able to deliver a 1-2-3 third and get through the fourth with ease. He surrendered three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out a season high of six batters in four innings.

froze 'em 🥶 @George_Adams12 pic.twitter.com/A7QDKNVxyI

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 28, 2026

Tyrus Riley came into the ballgame in the fifth inning and was immediately put to work. After loading the bases with no outs, he was able to deliver with a big strikeout, but that was his only moment of triumph. He walked the next batter to give them back the 3-2 lead.

Riley was then taken out for Enrique Sierra, but was still responsible for walking the very next batter for another run. In 0.2 innings, Riley accounted for three walks.

Panthers Score Four in the Sixth

FIU was able to load the bases after a hit by pitch to Preston Leon and free passes to first for Fischer and Andrew Ildefonso. Reyes scored Leon after he grounded to second, but the second baseman made an error. Cohall drew a walk to tie the game at four.

Then, Boston Doeschot reached first on a fielder’s choice, scoring Ildefonso. Aris Rivera made it 6-4 after he singled to right, scoring Reyes.

Aris with a big RBI to extend our lead😤

B6 I Stony Brook 4, FIU 6 pic.twitter.com/fK6WBFxb1P

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 28, 2026

Stony Brook Comes Back

The Seawolves were able to get a run back in the seventh after taking advantage of Sierra’s command. Sierra was able to bounce back from his outing against Florida. He allowed just a hit and a run in two innings.

Bryce Turner came in his relief and was able to put away Stony Brook in the seventh, and he delivered a quick 1-2-3 inning during the top of the eighth.

Later in the inning, Trivella added a double to his name, giving the Panthers another insurance run to make it 7-5. He had two hits in four at-bats with two RBI and a run scored.

insurance run brought to you by Mario 👏 pic.twitter.com/1rSxubKafi

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 28, 2026

In the ninth, Turner got pulled after walking two straight batters. He totaled three walks in 1.2 innings. Julian Mlodzinski was not able to get the save he was looking for.

Stony Brook struggled all game long to advance base runners home. They had nine runners left on base in total entering the final inning and were able to score four runs off Mlodzinski.

Down 9-7 in the ninth inning, FIU could only hope to just string together a few more hits to set the stage for another walk-off.

Andrew Ildefonso Walks It Off

With one out, Leon and Fischer put up consecutive hits to put the winning run at the plate. Andrew Ildefonso became that guy for the Panthers to come up with an ultimate send-off. He hit a three-run shot to put this game away in walk-off fashion. Ildefonso finished his big day with those three runs batted in and two runs scored. Fischer scored three times and had two hits.

ILDY CALLED GAME! WALK IT OFF 😱 pic.twitter.com/QhUTII4V30

— FIU Baseball (@FIUBaseball) February 28, 2026

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