NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt finished off a series sweep over Xavier with a one-hit, shutout win Sunday afternoon at Hawkins Field, blanking the visitors 4-0.
Vandy starting pitcher Cody Bowker and reliever Sawyer Hawks combined for the one-hitter, totaling 17 strikeouts. Bowker went 6.0 innings and struck out a season-high 10 batters, just one short of matching his career best. Bowker improved to 2-1 on the season and over his first four starts as a Commodore, boasts a 1.89 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 19 innings.
Hawks tossed the final three frames to pick up the save and struck out seven, his highest total as a Commodore.
Vandy’s 17 strikeouts on Sunday are the most in a nine-inning game since March 11, 2022, vs. Wagner. The Commodores recorded 18 strikeouts against Oklahoma State in the 2022 season-opener.
On offense, the Commodores scored their four runs on four hits and five walks.
Vandy opened the scoring with a run in the bottom of the third with Jacob Humphrey coming home on a double play.
The Dores plated three in the bottom of the fourth to give Bowker and Hawks all the insurance they would need.
Riley Nelson walked and Braden Holcomb singled before Mike Mancini walked to load the bases. A fielder’s choice on a ground ball by Rustan Rigdon allowed Nelson to score and Holcomb to take third.
After Rigdon stole second, Humphrey grounded out to plate Holcomb and move Rigdon up to third. Jonathan Vastine then ripped a single with two outs to drive in Rigdon and make it 4-0.
With Sunday’s win, the Commodores improve to 13-3 on the season and 10-0 at home. Vanderbilt hosts Valparaiso on Tuesday at Hawkins Field before beginning SEC play with a three-game series at Auburn next weekend.
