Vanderbilt Defeats Connecticut, 3-0

2/27/2005

Matt Buschmann and Stephen Shao Combine for Shutout

NASHVILLE – Junior right-hander Matt Buschmann and sophomore left-hander Stephen Shao combined for a 3-0 shutout today leading the Commodores to a victory over Connecticut at Charles Hawkins Field in the final game of the Music City Classic.

Vanderbilt is undefeated at 6-0, while Connecticut stands at 1-2. Buschmann went 7.0 innings and gave up only two hits (both singles) and struck out six in his first win of the season. Only one UConn player advanced to second base. Shao entered the game in the eighth inning and did not allow a hit facing the limit of six batters and struck out four. Rich Sirois earned the loss for Connecticut going 6.0 innings giving up two runs (one earned) on eight hits.

Freshman David Erickson made his first collegiate appearance in the seventh and went 2.0 innings giving up one run on two hits. Vanderbilt totaled 10 hits led by freshman designated hitter Alex Feinberg who went 3-3 at the plate, including a double. On the season, Feinberg is 6-9 with a .667 average. Vanderbilt took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Feinberg led off the inning and was hit by a pitch. He moved to second when Antoan Richardson reached on an error by Sirois when he bobbled the bunt.

Mike Baxter walked to load the bases. With two away, Tony Mansolino hit a double down the left field line scoring both Feinberg and Richardson. For the season, Mansolino is 5-11 with runners in scoring position. The Commodores added one in the eighth inning when Dominic De La Osa singled to the right side scoring Brian Hernandez who drew a walk with one away.

De La Osa is 4-6 with runners in scoring position. Vanderbilt plays at Lipscomb Tuesday (March 1) at 2 pm for its first road game of the season. The Commodores host Ball State this weekend for a three-game series (March 4-6).