Redbirds knock off top-ranked Vandy in twin bill split

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A four-run third inning proved to be the difference as the Illinois State baseball team knocked off No. 1 nationally ranked Vanderbilt, 7-3, in the second game of a doubleheader on Sunday at Hawkins Field.

Derek Parola delivered a two-run single to highlight the third-inning rally that gave the Redbirds a 5-2 lead.

Starting pitcher Matt Walker and three ISU relievers then held off Vandy the rest of the way to give the Redbirds a split of Sunday's twin bill. Vanderbilt won the opening game, 9-1.

Colton Johnson (2-0) was credited with the second-game pitching victory after relieving Walker in the fifth and limiting the Commodores to two hits over the next three innings.

Mitch…