DELAND, Fla. — True freshman Samuel Fernandez delivered the biggest swing of his young career Saturday afternoon, ripping a walk-off RBI double to deep center field to lift Stetson to a thrilling 6-5 victory over Virginia at Melching Field.
With the game tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Corey Robinson reached and moved into scoring position to set the stage. Fernandez, showing poise beyond his years, drove a ball into the gap to score Robinson and send the Hatters pouring out of the dugout. It marked Stetson's first walk-off win of the season and the first walk-off hit of Fernandez's career.
The Hatters improved to 3-5 on the year, while Virginia fell to 5-2.
Stetson once again wasted no time grabbing momentum.
Juan De la Cruz worked a leadoff walk in the first and later scored on an RBI single by Renzo Gonzalez. Gonzalez eventually crossed the plate on a throwing error to give the Hatters a 2-0 lead.
In the third, Landon Russell walked and stole second before Gonzalez delivered again with another RBI single, extending the lead to 3-0.
On the mound, Ethan Phillips kept Virginia quiet early. The senior struck out a season-high six batters over four innings, allowing just three hits while working around three walks.
Virginia broke through in the fourth with a three-run home run to tie the game at 3-3, then grabbed a 4-3 lead in the sixth on an RBI double.
Stetson's bullpen stabilized things from there. Joel Core provided 2 2/3 innings of steady relief, striking out four while allowing just one run. TJ Melani added a scoreless frame and induced a key ground ball double play to keep the Hatters within striking distance.
Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, Stetson responded. Corey Robinson, pinch-running for Foster Apple, scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Moments later, Jayden Hylton came home on a bases-loaded walk by De la Cruz to give the Hatters a 5-4 advantage.
Virginia answered again in the ninth with a solo home run to even the score at 5-5.
But the Hatters had one more response.
Zane Coppersmith worked the top of the ninth and was credited with the win, setting up the bottom half heroics. Robinson reached base to open the inning, and Fernandez did the rest — driving a walk-off double into the gap to secure the 6-5 victory.
KEY PERFORMERS
Samuel Fernandez
1-for-1, double, walk, game-winning RBI
Renzo Gonzalez
2-for-4, 2 RBIs
Juan De la Cruz
2 walks, RBI, run scored, four defensive assists
Ethan Phillips
4.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 6 K
Joel Core
2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 K
GAME NOTES
- Stetson drew 12 walks in the game.
- The Hatters recorded four stolen bases.
- Stetson pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts.
- Virginia was held to .182 hitting with runners in scoring position.
- Fernandez recorded the first walk-off hit of his career.
- The win marked Stetson's first walk-off victory of the 2026 season.
NEXT UP
The Hatters close out the weekend Sunday against Monmouth at 2:00 p.m. at Melching Field.
Live stats and the broadcast will be available at GoHatters.com. Follow along on social media for in-game updates and postgame coverage.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
