FAMU Rattlers Walk-Off Eastern Illinois 7-6 Behind Justin Lopez Home Run | Baseball Recap

FAMU Rattlers Walk-Off Eastern Illinois 7-6 Behind Justin Lopez Home Run | Baseball Recap

February 15, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A dramatic walk-off home run by Justin Lopez secured a 7-6 victory for the Florida A&M Rattlers against the Eastern Illinois Panthers on Saturday. The Rattlers responded immediately after Eastern Illinois tied the game in the top of the seventh inning, ending the contest with Lopez’s decisive hit.

Rattlers Rally for Walk-Off Win

Cody Williams (1-0) was credited with the win for Florida A&M, entering the game in relief. He pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit, while striking out two batters. Jackson McKenzie also contributed significantly to the Rattlers’ pitching effort, throwing three innings and conceding one run on two hits, with five strikeouts.

Early Exchanges and Rattlers’ Response

After falling behind 2-0, the Rattlers began their offensive push in the second inning. Caden Kresak drove in two runs with a single, scoring Ethan Miller and Will Brown. The Panthers quickly responded, regaining the lead before the Rattlers answered in the third, taking a 5-4 advantage.

Building and Maintaining the Lead

Florida A&M extended their lead to 6-4 in the sixth inning, maintaining a two-run cushion. However, Eastern Illinois battled back, tying the score at 6-6 before Lopez’s walk-off home run sealed the win for the Rattlers in the bottom of the seventh.

Did You Know? Alex Monile recorded three hits during the game for Florida A&M.
Expert Insight: The Rattlers’ ability to respond immediately after Eastern Illinois tied the game demonstrates a resilience and clutch performance that could be a key factor in their success this season. Maintaining composure in high-pressure situations is often a defining characteristic of competitive teams.

Justen Crews led the Rattlers’ offence, going 2 for 4 with a home run and an RBI. Eastern Illinois’ offensive standout was J. Love, who went 3 for 4 with two doubles, a home run, and four RBIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Florida A&M take the lead?

Florida A&M took the lead at 5-4 in the bottom of the third inning and did not relinquish it until Eastern Illinois tied the game in the seventh.

Who earned the win for the Rattlers?

Cody Williams (1-0) earned the win for Florida A&M, pitching 0.2 innings in relief.

How many home runs did the Rattlers hit in the game?

Florida A&M hitters hit three home runs in the ballgame, including the game-winning hit by Justin Lopez.

What impact will this win have on the Rattlers’ momentum as they prepare for their next game against Eastern Illinois University on February 14th at 4:00 PM?