NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Oregon took advantage of Vanderbilt mistakes Saturday afternoon at Hawkins Field to win 7-2 and clinch the series.
The Commodores jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on Chris Harvey’s RBI-single. Oregon battled back in the fourth inning scoring four runs on one hit despite Vanderbilt starter Sam Selman having retired the first 10 Ducks of the game. Oregon took advantage of four walks, a balk and an error to score three runs with Scott Heineman’s single capping the four-run rally and serving as the only hit in the frame. The Ducks tacked on runs in the fifth and seventh innings when Brett Hambright was hit by a pitch to start the inning and came around to score. Six of Oregon’s seven runs on the day reached base via a walk or hit batter. Heineman led the Ducks with two RBI.
Vanderbilt put the leadoff man aboard in seven of nine innings but failed to advance the runner in four of the seven chances. Tony Kemp led the Commodores scoring two runs and reaching base three times, including a sixth inning single. Anthony Gomez’s five-game hitting streak was snapped with his 0-for-4 performance. Conrad Gregor drove in a run with a single in the sixth.
Oregon starter Jake Reed earned the win working six solid innings. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits and three walks to go with five strikeouts for his first win of the year. Selman took the loss for Vandy giving up four runs, three earned, on one hit and four walks in 3.2 innings.
The Dores and Ducks will play the series finale tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for noon at Hawkins Field. Right-hander Drew VerHagen gets the ball for the Commodores against Oregon right-hander Brando Tessar.
