Crosstown Showdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 8 Vanderbilt Commodores look to snap a two-game losing streak when they face Belmont on Tuesday at First Tennessee Park. The contest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and can be heard on the VUCommodores app and locally on WNSR 560 AM/95.9 FM.
 
Vanderbilt (15-5) and Belmont (10-9) are meeting for the 77th time in the history of the two programs. Vandy holds a 61-15 advantage in the series and 2-1 edge at First Tennessee Park. The Commodores struggled in an 8-5 loss at the venue a season ago.
 
Despite an SEC opening series loss at Texas A&M last weekend, Vanderbilt is off to its best start through 20 games since 2016. The Dores’ .320 average is its highest through 20 tilts since batting .340 in 2010.
 
The Bruins head into Tuesday fresh off a sweep of UT Martin. Belmont is 5-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play – its best start to league action since 2014. The squad was picked to finish seventh in the conference.
 
PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUP
– TUESDAY: RHP Mason Hickman (1-0, 2.50 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Hubbell (0-1, 0.00 ERA)
 
NEED TO KNOW
Vanderbilt ranks first in the SEC in batting average (.318), hits (221), on-base percentage (.425) and triples (10). The Dores are second in runs (166). Vandy has scored five-plus runs 16 times and 10-plus runs eight times.
 
Senior Ethan Paul has been on a tear as the Commodores’ seven-hole hitter this season. Paul is the team leader with 10 multi-hit games and is tied for first with seven multi-RBI games. The shortstop ranks 11th nationally with 27 RBIs.
 
Vanderbilt will play its next nine games in Nashville including consecutive midweek contests at First Tennessee Park. The Commodores are 3-2 all-time at the venue with all five matchups against Belmont and Lipscomb.
 
UP NEXT
Vanderbilt opens a three-game series at Hawkins Field on Thursday against No. 14 Florida. The matchup is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on the SEC Network. Friday’s middle game gets underway at 6:30 p.m. while Saturday’s finale is slated for 1 p.m.