NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Aaron Westlake’s walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Vanderbilt a 3-2 win over Auburn Sunday afternoon at Hawkins Field.
Westlake led off the ninth against Tiger starter Grant Dayton and crushed a 0-1 pitch inside of the foul pole in right to win the game. It was the first walk-off homer for the Commodores since Curt Casali blasted one against Middle Tennessee on March 26, 2008.
“It was nice to see Aaron get a hit like that,” said Corbin. “He’s been struggling a bit as of late and you can kind of see him trying to figure it out.”
The Commodores claimed the series and improved to 29-9 overall and 8-7 in Southeastern Conference play, while the Tigers fell to 24-13 and 8-7 in league action.
Both starting pitchers lasted into the ninth in the two hour and 15 minute ballgame.
Taylor Hill had his second consecutive strong outing, going a career high 8.2 innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and no walks in the no-decision.
“Taylor deserves better,” said Corbin. “To pick up four runs in two weekends and he has nothing to show for it. That’s some really good pitching and everything you can possibly do on a Sunday afternoon. This is a strong hitting team and he just did a great job and I’m proud of him.”
Richie Goodenow recorded the final out in the top of the ninth to get the win and moved to 2-0 on the year.
Dayton was the tough luck loser, allowing three runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks.
“Grant did a great job,” said Auburn head coach John Pawlowski. “I feel so bad for him and for our whole club. We battled hard today but we couldn’t get anything going offensively. Their pitcher (Hill) threw an outstanding game and there were two very good pitchers going at it toe-to-toe. One mistake and that’s the difference.”
Auburn plated a run in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Morris. Justin Fradejas singled to lead off the game, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a single by Brian Fletcher. Morris then flew out to center to score Fradejas.
Trent Mummey’s solo homer in the third extended the lead to 2-0. It was his second homer of the weekend and the fifth of the season.
The Commodores tied the game in the bottom of the third on a two-run single by Brian Harris. Joe Loftus singled and Drew Fann walked to lead off the inning. Anthony Gomez sacrificed the runners up before Harris’ hit to left-center on the 10th pitch of the at bat.
“Harris’ hit was great,” added Corbin. “To foul off so many pitches, like 80, and then to hit the ball into the outfield like that…that was huge and it kept the game intact for a while.”
The Commodores will start a six game Tennessee road trip on Tuesday at Lipscomb at 6 p.m. VU will then travel to Middle Tennessee on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. tilt with the Blue Raiders before playing a three-game set next weekend against Tennessee in Knoxville.
