The No. 6 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores baseball kicked off their season on Friday afternoon against the Florida Atlantic Owls in dramatic fashion, staving off an upset with a comeback you need to see to believe.
It was a close game throughout, but it looked like FAU may come away with the victory after scoring on a two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning from shortstop Brando Leroux.
BRANDO BOMB 💣!!! 2-run blast and we lead AGAIN!
M8 | FAU 11, No. 6 Vandy 9 pic.twitter.com/PKAfLUM2p0
— Florida Atlantic Baseball (@FAUBaseball) February 16, 2024
That score held until the top of the ninth inning with Vanderbilt up to the plate. It again looked like FAU was going to close the door with two outs in the innings, but Vanderbilt came up with a huge rally to turn this game around.
It first started with an RBI single from third baseman David Diaz to cut the deficit to just one run.
Diaz making things happen 👀#VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/baB1wsZvHf
— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) February 16, 2024
Vanderbilt shortstop Jonathan Vastine then came to the plate and saved the day for the Commodores, hitting a blooper down the left field line that would end up scoring two and walking it off for the win.
WALK OFF VANDY BOYS 🔥🔥
Vanderbilt with 3 run 9th to win it on Opening Day pic.twitter.com/lUZxNHLGJM
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) February 16, 2024
It’s a great way to kick off opening day. And fans had plenty to say about the extremely entertaining matchup throughout.
As Vandy a walk-off as you’ll ever see
— Pearce Browder (@theOnlyHITONE) February 16, 2024
https://twitter.com/TacTabor/status/1758622986691588222
Huge upset to start the year!
— FlameVol (#DingerNation) (@Flame_Volunteer) February 16, 2024
It obviously wouldn’t have been a great look to drop the opening game of the year to an unranked team if you are Vanderbilt. So this comeback could go a long way into building some positive momentum for the rest of the year.

About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.
Recent Posts
Bills coach Sean McDermott does not hold back on referees
Saturday’s thrilling game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos was marred by a bit of controversy...
Sean Payton confirms Bo Nix season-ending injury
The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills on Saturday evening, punching their ticket to the AFC title game...
Aaron Rodgers final decision on career confirmed
"What a ride it was."
Sam Darnold injury confirmed: ‘Hasn’t thrown a football since’
The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for a pivotal postseason showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, but it sounds...
Super Bowl halftime news sparks outrage amid ICE activity
Despite all of the political turmoil going on in the United States at the moment, especially regarding what...
Giants face ‘issues’ with John Harbaugh hiring
The New York Giants are expected to hire former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh as their next head...