NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Freshman Wyatt Nadeau recorded 10 strikeouts to help lead Vanderbilt to an 11-3 win over No. 13 LSU on Saturday night at Hawkins Field.
Nadeau, making his first start against an SEC opponent, went seven innings and held LSU to three runs on four hits to earn his first collegiate win.
The Commodore offense provided plenty of run support, plating 11 runs on nine hits. Chris Maldonado drove in four runs off the bench and Braden Holcomb scored three times, going 2-for-3 with two walks.
Ryker Waite opened the scoring in the second with a groundout RBI. After LSU tied the game in the top of the fourth, Vandy retook the lead in the home half on a double by Max Jensen that brought home Holcomb.
The Commodores blew it open in the bottom of the fifth with a six-run frame. Vandy loaded the bases and scored runs on an error, walk and sac fly to lead 5-1. Maldonado then launched a pinch-hit, three-run blast to center to push Vandy’s lead to seven.
Maldonado has four home runs this season, all coming in the month of March.
The Dores added two more runs in the sixth on a bases-loaded walk and fielder’s choice to take a 10-1 lead.
After LSU plated a pair of runs in the seventh, Tommy Goodin went opposite field for his fourth homer on the year, putting Vandy in front, 11-3. Goodin finished the game 2-for-3 at the dish with a walk and two runs scored.
Tyler Baird took over on the mound in the top of the eighth and tossed two scoreless frames to finish off the Tigers and secure the series win for the Commodores.
Vanderbilt (13-7, 2-0 SEC) will look for a sweep over No. 13 LSU (13-7, 0-2 SEC) on Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN2 and 102.5 The Game. The Commodores have now won 10 of their last 12 series against the Tigers.
