MIAMI – The FIU baseball program closed out opening weekend with a 4-3 walk-off victory over the Villanova Wildcats on Sunday afternoon at FIU Baseball Stadium, securing the series win.
With the game tied 3-3 in the ninth, FIU (2-1) loaded the bases for pinch hitter Boston Doeschot, who lifted a fly ball to center field to score Cole Cleveland and seal the series-clinching win.
After three scoreless innings to open the game, Villanova (1-2) struck first with an RBI single to left field to take a 1-0 lead in the fourth. FIU answered in the bottom half of the frame when Luca Reyes led off with a double and Aidan Cohall followed with an RBI single to center, tying the game at one.
The Wildcats regained the lead in the seventh on a go-ahead solo home run from pinch hitter Collin Quinato to make it 2-1. The Panthers responded immediately in the bottom half as Vicente Feliciano launched his first home run of the season to deep right field, evening the contest at two.
Later in the inning, Cleveland tripled and scored on a Reyes sacrifice fly to give FIU a 3-2 advantage.
In the ninth, Villanova tied the game with two outs and a runner at third following an error at third base. FIU quickly answered in the bottom half, setting the stage for Doeschot's walk-off sacrifice fly.
On the mound, Jarek Woodward made the start and delivered three efficient innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. Cooper Foster worked the fourth inning, surrendering one run, and Quin McManmon added two innings, allowing one earned run.
Sophomore Bryce Turner earned the win in relief, tossing three shutout innings without allowing a hit while striking out two.
Offensively, FIU tallied 10 hits, led by Cohall's three-hit performance. Cleveland added two hits, including a double and triple, while Reyes continued his strong start to the season with a hit and an RBI.
UP NEXT
FIU prepares for it's first midweek contest of the season, facing the reigning SWAC Champions in Bethune-Cookman on the road Tuesday, Feb. 17. First pitch is set for 6 p.m from Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
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