Lipscomb Next in Line

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No. 6 Vanderbilt looks for its fifth-consecutive win and second straight at First Tennessee Park on Tuesday when the squad squares off against Lipscomb at 6:30 p.m. The tilt can be heard on the VUCommodores app and locally on WNSR 560 AM/95.9 FM.
 
The Commodores (19-5) are fresh off a three-game sweep of Florida, outscoring the Gators 34-6 in the process. The run production was the most for Vandy in an SEC series since scored 48 against Alabama, May 18-20, 2017. The Dores batted .351 in the set.
 
Lipscomb (11-11) is looking to rebound after dropping three consecutive one-run games at Jacksonville. The Bisons mustered a season-low two hits in Sunday’s finale. The club has won three straight against in-state foes, defeating Belmont (18-3), Tennessee Tech (4-1) and Middle Tennessee (8-6).
 
PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUP
– TUESDAY: RHP Mason Hickman (2-0, 1.88 ERA) vs. RHP Scott Elgin (1-0, 3.72 ERA)
 
NEED TO KNOW
Vanderbilt and Lipscomb are meeting for the 79th time in the history of the programs. The Commodores are 19-3 against Lipscomb under head coach Tim Corbin (2003-present) but dropped a 5-1 decision a season ago. The squads have met at least once each of the last six seasons.
 
Vandy is No. 4 nationally in the RPI, jumping 11 spots following a weekend sweep of Florida. The Dores are 8-3 against opponents in the RPI top 50. Vandy’s eight wins vs. Top 50 opponents is tied for third nationally with UCLA. Lipscomb enters Tuesday at No. 215. The Dores are 7-0 vs. opponents ranked between 151-297.
 
Commodore pitching has permitted just six runs in the last 36 innings (four games) while posting a 1.50 ERA and limiting foes to a .163 average. Opponents have scored runs in three innings over the last four contests, averaging 1.5 runs per game.
 
Vandy’s 19-5 start is its best through 24 games since beginning its 2016 campaign, 20-4. The Dores finished that season with 47 victories. The Commodores 13-3 record in March is their best since posting the same record through 16 in 2015.
 
UP NEXT
Vanderbilt opens a three-game series against Tennessee on Friday at 6:30 p.m. from Hawkins Field. Saturday’s middle game is set for 8 p.m. and Sunday’s finale will start at 2 p.m. The final two matchups will be broadcast on the SEC Network.