NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Third-ranked Vanderbilt used a six-run fifth inning to cruise by eighth-ranked Florida 14-1 Saturday afternoon at Hawkins Field and even the series after Florida rallied to win Friday night’s suspended game 6-5.
The Gators took an early lead with a home run in the third inning but the Commodores used three hits to score two runs in the bottom of the inning to claim the lead for good. Aaron Westlake’s grand slam in the sixth inning ignited a six-run rally to open up an 8-1 Vanderbilt lead after five innings. The Dores added two more runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh to set the final score. The Vandy offense cranked out 18 hits with nine different Commodores contributing. Westlake led the way driving in five runs and Anthony Gomez added three runs. Jason Esposito and Connor Harrell each had three hits to lead all hitters. Bryson Smith hit his second home run of the year to account for Florida’s lone run.
Grayson Garvin notched his 11th win of the year working seven strong innings. The lefty fanned six and scattered six hits to improve to 9-0 in nine SEC starts. His 11th win of the year ties him with David Price (2007) for second-most in a single season by a Commodore pitcher. Florida starter Brian Johnson was pinned with the loss allowing eight runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings.
The Gators rallied for two runs in the ninth inning in the resumption of Friday night’s suspended game to stun the Dores and win the first game of the series 6-5. Josh Adams greeted Vandy closer Navery Moore with a solo home run to left field to tie the game before Smith’s RBI-double put Florida out in front to stay. The Commodores had scored a run in the bottom of the eighth on Connor Harrell’s RBI-single before the Gators rallied to victory.
Nolan Fontana tied the game in the seventh inning with a two-run home run and the game remained even until Harrell’s single. Conrad Gregor led VU with three hits and Esposito drove in two runs. Florida managed just seven hits in the win.
Moore took the loss allowing his second and third earned runs of the year. Anthony DeSclafani picked up the win in relief and Austin Maddox earned his second save of the year. Vanderbilt starter Sonny Gray pitched six solid innings allowing two runs, one earned, on two hits.
The Commodores and Gators play the rubber game of the series tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. The Dores turn to senior Taylor Hill while Florida hands the ball to talented freshman Karsten Whitson.
Registration is now open for Summer 2011 Baseball Camps. Please click here to sign up or to find out additional information about the camps led by Head Coach Tim Corbin.
