NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Top-ranked Vanderbilt continues nonconference play this weekend, hosting Illinois State in a three-game series beginning Friday at 4:30 p.m. Saturday’s middle game is set for 2 p.m. and Sunday’s finale will get underway at 1 p.m.
The Commodores (11-2) are riding a season-high five-game winning streak after outscoring Davidson and East Tennessee State, 36-6, during the midweek. Vandy is 9-1 on its current 15-game homestand. The Dores have batted .338, fielded .986 and carded a 2.67 ERA during that stretch.
Illinois State (7-3) is coming off a series win at Murray State. The Redbirds are sixth nationally in triples per game (0.6) and fifth nationally in triples with six. The squad was picked to finish sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference its preseason poll.
The matchups will be streamed live on the SEC Network Plus with Andrew Harris and Kevin Ingram on the call. SEC Network subscribers can tune in through WatchESPN and the ESPN app. Fans can also listen to the games on the VUCommodores app and locally on WNSR 560 AM/95.9 FM.
PROMOTIONS
The first 500 fans at Friday’s game will receive a collectible Vanderbilt baseball lapel pin. On Saturday, attendees will receive the fifth edition of the “Dores in the Show” poster series featuring Ryan Flaherty. Sunday will serve as “Salute to Service” day. Kids are also allowed to run the bases after the game.
Vanderbilt’s Home Run Lounge will make its long-awaited debut on Saturday. The premium area, located in left field, will serve beer and spiked seltzer. For more information, click here.
Fans unable to use their tickets throughout the season can easily donate those through Vanderbilt’s Account Manager. Tickets will be donated to Vet Tix, providing an opportunity for active military and veterans to attend Vanderbilt events. Donors will receive an in-kind gift receipt.
PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS
– FRIDAY: RHP Drake Fellows (2-0, 5.06 ERA) vs. LHP Brent Headrick (1-0, 3.63 ERA)
– SATURDAY: RHP Patrick Raby (2-0, 0.57 ERA) vs. RHP Jeff Lingren (2-0, 2.50 ERA)
– SUNDAY: TBA (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Matt Walker (1-1, 1.29 ERA)
NEED TO KNOW
Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin is two victories shy from reaching 800 career. Only 25 active head coaches have reached the 800-win milestone. Of those 25, only 11 have a higher career winning percentage than Corbin’s .667.
Vanderbilt and Illinois State have met 11 times. The Commodores hold an 8-3 edge and enter Friday having won seven consecutive. Vandy swept Illinois State in a three-game series during the last meeting (Feb. 27-March 1, 2015) at Hawkins Field. The Dores outscored the Redbirds 35-13 in the series and scored 16 runs twice.
Vandy leads the SEC and ranks third nationally with 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Vandy has fanned 15-plus batters on five occasions including 18 last Friday against Dayton. In 10 home games, Vandy has posted a 2.67 ERA while limiting opponents to a .193 average.
Vanderbilt ranks first in the SEC in batting average (.333), hits (154), runs (119), on-base percentage (.445) and triples (7). Vandy has scored five-plus 11 times and 10-plus runs six times including three times this month.
UP NEXT
Vanderbilt has its final tune-up for SEC play and caps its homestand on Tuesday against Samford. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and can be seen on the SEC Network Plus. Outfield tickets are on sale for just $7. Fans in attendance can also take advantage of $2 hot dogs.
