Tennessee’s bats had no answers for Vanderbilt’s complement of pitchers, as the bats went scoreless with just three hits, though the bullpen pitchers tossed six frames of scoreless ball, during the Commodores’ 3-0 win — one that snatched away the Vols’ chance for sweep.
To start the game, Commodore starter JD Thompson sat Tennessee’s bats down in order, striking out the side in the process, and Vols’ starter Zander Sechrist struck out the first two batters he faced and looked like he was cruising to an easy, 1-2-3 start to the game.
But RJ Austin needed four pitches to punch a single into right field, and cleanup hitter Alan Espinal blasted the first pitch he saw over the fence in right for a two-run home run to put Vandy out to a quick 2-0 lead.