NASHVILLE — Philip Clarke launched a three-run home run in the first inning to set the tone and Vanderbilt pitching was masterful throughout in a 15-2 victory against Presbyterian on Wednesday night at Hawkins Field.
The No. 13 Commodores (4-1) won their third-straight game, sweeping the two-game midweek set against the Blue Hose (2-4), backed by a strong collegiate debut from southpaw freshman Jake Eder.
The Ocean Ridge, Fla., native permitted just one hit in four innings while fanning four batters. Eder (1-0) was the first of three-straight Vandy pitchers to make collegiate debuts. Justin Willis worked 1.1 innings, allowing two hits and a walk before sophomore lefty AJ Franklin entered in the sixth, inducing a 6-4-3 double play.
The Dores threw six different pitchers with Justin Wilson also making his collegiate debut, tossing a perfect eighth inning. Vandy tagged seven different Presbyterian pitchers for 11 hits including starter Jack McLaughlin (0-1), who allowed two hits and four runs in three innings.
Vandy swiped six bases, its most since stealing seven on May 19, 2016, against Auburn and scored in six different innings. Austin Martin stole three bags and reached base three times while plating two runs.
Ten different Vanderbilt batters recorded at least one hit while seven scored at least one run. VU led 9-0 entering the eighth inning before tacking on six more runs while batting around in the frame.
The Commodores scored multiple runs in the first, sixth, seven and eighth innings and were helped along the way by four Presbyterian errors.
For the second-straight night, the Blue Hose were blanked before scoring in the ninth inning.
Vanderbilt continues its 10-game homestand this weekend, welcoming UMass-Lowell for three games with the opener set for Friday at 4 p.m. Saturday’s middle game and Sunday’s finale are both scheduled for noon.
