Toledo's walk-off hit powers Emporia State to win over MSU Denver

Hornets finish weekend 3-0 after dramatic extra-innings victory

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jovanni Toledo's walk-off single in the 12th inning lifted Emporia State to a 10-9 win over No. 23 MSU Denver. The Hornets jumped out to an early 6-3 lead but had to rally late to force extra innings before Toledo's heroics sealed the victory, capping a 3-0 weekend for Emporia State.

Why it matters

This win over a ranked opponent continues Emporia State's strong start to the season and shows the team's resilience in coming back from a late deficit. The Hornets will look to carry this momentum into MIAA conference play next weekend.

The details

Emporia State built a 6-3 lead after two innings, but MSU Denver responded with six straight runs over the next six innings to take a 9-6 advantage. In the bottom of the 8th, Noah Steele hit a two-run single to pull the Hornets within one, and Sammy Padilla scored on a wild pitch in the 9th to send the game to extra innings. Toledo then delivered the game-winning hit in the 12th inning as a pinch hitter, his lone hit of the day.

  • The game was played on February 15, 2026.
  • Toledo's walk-off single came in the 12th inning.

The players

Jovanni Toledo

A player for Emporia State who delivered the game-winning hit in the 12th inning as a pinch hitter.

Noah Steele

An Emporia State player who hit a two-run single in the 8th inning to pull the Hornets within one run.

Sammy Padilla

An Emporia State player who scored the tying run in the 9th inning on a wild pitch to send the game to extra innings.

John Martin

The head coach of the Emporia State baseball team.

MSU Denver

The opponent, the No. 23 ranked MSU Denver Roadrunners.

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What they’re saying

“My first at-bat didn't go as well. I walked up the second time trying to compete and battle and it worked.”

— Jovanni Toledo (27 Sports)

“I just told them they were tough. They're resilient and doing what we asked. If we keep that mentality good things will happen. That's what Emporia State baseball is about. It's about how we play and who we are and doing it for nine innings.”

— John Martin, Head Coach (ksnt.com)

What’s next

Emporia State will open MIAA conference play next weekend with a three-game series on the road against Arkansas-Fort Smith, with the first game set for Friday, February 20 at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

This thrilling extra-innings victory over a ranked opponent showcases Emporia State's resilience and ability to battle back from adversity, traits that will serve them well as they begin conference play and look to build on their strong 9-1 start to the season.