NASHVILLE – Vanderbilt erupted for 14 runs and sent 17 batters to the plate in the third inning while setting a school record with 19 walks in a 21-4 victory against Middle Tennessee on Tuesday night at Hawkins Field.
In the third inning, the Commodores (28-24) registered nine hits including a pair from Stephen Scott who belted a two-run home run and added a two-run double. Jayson Gonzalez also collected a pair of RBI-singles in the frame.
The 14-run outburst followed a top half in which the Blue Raiders (25-26-1) scored four times, taking a 4-3 lead. Vandy went on to outscore Middle Tennessee, 18-0, the rest of the way, adding two in the fifth and single runs in the seventh and eighth.
Vandy drew six walks in the third inning during a night in which it broke a 67-year old school record with 19 walks. The 21 runs matched a Hawkins Field record and were the most since VU totaled as many a season ago against the Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro.
Maddux Conger (2-0) picked up the win in relief, tossing three scoreless frames while scattering three hits with four punch outs. Paxton Stover, Justin Wilson and AJ Franklin did not allow a hit while working an inning each.
Scott (3-for-5) belted his fourth homer in as many games and registered a career-high five RBIs. Ten different players recorded at least one hit, which did not include JJ Bleday, who matched a program record with five walks.
Gonzalez (3-for-6) scored three runs and drove in two while Ty Duvall (2-for-3) added three runs and an RBI while walking three times. Connor Kaiser (2-for-2) scored twice, drove in as many and drew two walks.
Middle Tennessee threw eight pitchers including reliever Grant Williams (2-2), who drew the loss, allowing three hits and four runs while walking one without recording an out. Ryan Scharf permitted the most free passes with eight in 1.2 innings.
Vandy logged double-digit hits for the fourth time in the last five games, finishing with 15. Over the last four games, the Dores have raised their batting average from .258 to .263. In that stretch, the Black and Gold have hit .322.
Vanderbilt closes the regular season with three games against Kentucky at Hawklns Field, beginning Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Friday’s middle game is set for 6:30 p.m. while the Saturday finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus.
