MINNEAPOLIS — Vanderbilt scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium to walk-off No. 18 Maryland 8-7 at the 2023 Cambria College Classic.
The seventh-ranked Commodores trailed 7-6 entering the final frame. Jack Bulger drew a lead-off walk and Matthew Polk was called upon to pinch run for the Vanderbilt catcher. Pinch-hitter Calvin Hewett laid down a bunt toward the first-base line and reached safely to put two on with nobody out.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. then singled up the middle to score Polk from second and even the game at 7-7. Hewett took third on the play to put the winning run 90 feet away.
After an intentional walk and a strikeout, RJ Schreck sent a fly ball to left, deep enough for Hewett to tag and score the game-winning run.
The dub on film 🎬#VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/s52AZLCpAX
— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) March 4, 2023
Maryland took an early lead in the top of the first but Vanderbilt responded with a four-run first inning. Bradfield sent the first pitch to left-center for a lead-off homer, his first of the season. Davis Diaz plated a second run with an RBI double and Chris Maldonado tallied his first collegiate RBI with a sac fly to score Schreck.
Bulger added on a fourth run with an RBI single to center, scoring Diaz.
Vanderbilt extended its lead in the bottom of the second when RJ Austin launched his first career home run, bringing the score to 5-1.
The Terrapins roared back in the fifth with a five-run frame to go in front 6-5. Maryland scored the five runs on three hits and an error.
Austin evened the score in the home half of the inning with his second home run in as many at-bats. His fifth inning shot was a no-doubter that landed in the upper deck in right field. He’s the second Commodore to homer in consecutive at-bats this weekend after Schreck did it Friday against Nebraska.
Oppo to the upper deck 💪
#2 for 42. #VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/fNDzRqdmwd
— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) March 4, 2023
Maryland again took the lead with a solo home run in the top of the seventh before Vanderbilt rallied in the ninth to win 8-7.
Nick Maldonado (W, 1-0) earned the win with a clean ninth inning on the mound. Bradfield and Austin led the Dores with two RBIs each.
Vanderbilt wraps up its time in Minneapolis Sunday against Minnesota. First pitch against the Golden Gophers is set for 6 p.m. with action airing on B1G+.
