March 26, 2015
VANDERBILT RE-VU
The Commodores rallied late to beat Middle Tennessee State 12-7 Tuesday night in Murfreesboro. Vanderbilt swept the team’s second straight league doubleheader taking two at Auburn on Saturday. The Dores cruised to a 10-5 win in the first game behind Zander Wiel’s three RBI, including his second homer of the weekend. Vandy survived in the nightcap with a 7-6 win in 10 innings. Ben Bowden allowed three runs in the ninth to force extra innings but Bryan Reynolds’ sacrifice fly in the 10th inning proved to be the game winner with Bowden working a clean 10th inning. The Commodores dropped the series opener at Auburn Friday night 6-4. Dansby Swanson and Zander Wiel each hit solo homers in the loss.
ON THE BUMP
Friday, March 27
RHP Carson Fulmer (3-1, 1.85) vs. RHP Brett Marks (2-2, 1.38)
Saturday, March 28
RHP Walker Buehler (2-0, 2.55) vs. LHP Drake Owenby (1-3, 2.20)
Sunday, March 29
RHP Jordan Sheffield (3-0, 2.27) vs. RHP Hunter Martin (1-0, 2.16)
BATTLE OF TENNESSEE
Vanderbilt hosts Tennessee this weekend in the Commodores’ oldest active series, dating back to 1888’s 9-6 win over the Volunteers. Tennessee won last year’s series in Knoxville, taking two-of-three to claim their first series victory since 2010 when the Vols swept a doubleheader to take the series. The last time the two teams met at Hawkins Field Vandy swept the series in 2013. Going into the series VU is 158-157-3 all time vs. Tennessee.
REYNOLDS IS ROLLING
Bryan Reynolds enters the weekend on a roll having posted five straight multi-hit games to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. The sophomore opened last week by reaching base in each of his first eight plate appearances over the Commodores’ first two games. His three hits against Tennessee Tech matched his season-best and his three RBI in Saturday night’s nightcap at Auburn also equaled his season-high. The preseason All-American takes his 10-game hitting streak into the weekend having gone 17-for-37 (.460) with nine runs and 11 RBI during the streak.
HIT MEN & BASE RUNNERS
The Vanderbilt offense has featured a balanced attack up and down the lineup much of the season with the team producing 15 games of at least 10 hits through the squad’s first 25 games. The Commodores are averaging just over 11 hits per game with the team’s 279 hits ranking second in the SEC. The Dores have put 435 players safely on the bases for an average of over 17 base runners per game helping VU average 7.44 runs per game. Rhett Wiseman leads the way with 67 total bases on the year while Dansby Swanson’s 33 runs top both the Vandy roster and the SEC.
MUSCLED UP
The Commodores have muscled up this year through the team’s first 25 games hitting 17 home runs compared to last year’s six round trippers through the first 25 games. The offense as a whole has produced more runs (186 to 139), more hits (279 to 228) and more RBI (167 to 123).
SETTLED AT THE TOP?
Ro Coleman appears to be settled into the top spot of Tim Corbin’s lineup having started seven of the last eight games as the designated hitter in the leadoff spot. Since earning the starting DH role and getting the nod in the leadoff spot, Coleman is 7-for-27 (.259) with seven walks. The sophomore, however, is 6-for-16 (.375) with five walks over his last five games with three runs scored.
WEEKEND TICKETS
Tickets for this weekend’s series against Tennessee will be at a premium. A very limited number of general admission tickets could be available for each game but will not be opened up until after first pitch on game day. General admission tickets may be purchased only at the Hawkins Field box office located outside the stadium near Gate 3. General admission tickets do not guarantee a seat in the infield seating bowl.