by Barca Blog
Vanderbilt's offense took out its frustrations on a struggling Georgia squad with a 17-5 rout of the Bulldogs Friday night at Hawkins Field.
It was the first time the Commodores have scored 17 runs in a Friday night conference game since they accomplished the same feat against UGA in 1992.
The offensive explosion also gave starting pitcher Taylor Hill his first conference win on the season. Hill had only given up 5 earned runs in his previous three starts, but didn't have a 'W' to show for his efforts due to a lack of run support. That wasn't the case tonight.
Head coach Tim Corbin gave his thoughts on game 1 of the series in the video below.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Three Commodores will play for Outlaws
By Travis Young –
Earlier this month, the Nashville Outlaws released its inaugural season roster and three Vanderbilt players will call the “Music City” its home for the summer. Drew Fann, Bryan Johns and Navery Moore are one of 12 players with ties to the Middle Tennessee area who either prepped at area high schools or are current student-athletes at local universities that will be on the inaugural team.
Johns, a junior-college transfer, is currently leads Vanderbilt in hitting and ranks towards the top of the SEC leader-board in batting average (.370) and on-base percentage (.481). Fann has posted a solid sophomore campaign and has made the most of his opportunities. A native of Murfreesboro, Fann is hitting .405 with an .577 (obp%) in 37 at-bats this year. Moore will stay home this summer after playing for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League last summer. The former Battle Ground Academy standout has a record of 2-0 this year and has 11 strikeouts in 10.1 innings.
The Outlaws coaching staff will be made up of Brian Ryman, Jerry Bell and Rich Benjamin. Ryman will be the head manager while Bell and Benjamin will handle the pitching and hitting duties, respectively.
The Nashville Outlaws are the newest member of the Prospect League and will play 28 home games at Hawkins Field in Nashville. The Outlaws will open the season on the raod against the Terre Haute Rex on Friday, June 4th. The Outlaws first home game will be on Tuesday, June 8, against the Springfield Sliders.
The Prospect League, formerly known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL), has roots dating back to 1963 and has showcased Major League stars like Mike Schmidt, Kirby Puckett, Ryan Howard, and Jonathan Papelbon. With its family-oriented promotions and affordable ticket prices, the Prospect League is one of the fastest growing and most recognized summer baseball leagues in the country.
Click here for more information on the Nashville Outlaws.
Earlier this month, the Nashville Outlaws released its inaugural season roster and three Vanderbilt players will call the “Music City” its home for the summer. Drew Fann, Bryan Johns and Navery Moore are one of 12 players with ties to the Middle Tennessee area who either prepped at area high schools or are current student-athletes at local universities that will be on the inaugural team.Johns, a junior-college transfer, is currently leads Vanderbilt in hitting and ranks towards the top of the SEC leader-board in batting average (.370) and on-base percentage (.481). Fann has posted a solid sophomore campaign and has made the most of his opportunities. A native of Murfreesboro, Fann is hitting .405 with an .577 (obp%) in 37 at-bats this year. Moore will stay home this summer after playing for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League last summer. The former Battle Ground Academy standout has a record of 2-0 this year and has 11 strikeouts in 10.1 innings.
The Outlaws coaching staff will be made up of Brian Ryman, Jerry Bell and Rich Benjamin. Ryman will be the head manager while Bell and Benjamin will handle the pitching and hitting duties, respectively.
The Nashville Outlaws are the newest member of the Prospect League and will play 28 home games at Hawkins Field in Nashville. The Outlaws will open the season on the raod against the Terre Haute Rex on Friday, June 4th. The Outlaws first home game will be on Tuesday, June 8, against the Springfield Sliders.
The Prospect League, formerly known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL), has roots dating back to 1963 and has showcased Major League stars like Mike Schmidt, Kirby Puckett, Ryan Howard, and Jonathan Papelbon. With its family-oriented promotions and affordable ticket prices, the Prospect League is one of the fastest growing and most recognized summer baseball leagues in the country.
Click here for more information on the Nashville Outlaws.
April issue of Commodore Nation
By Ryan Schulz
The April issue of Commodore Nation is now available online by clicking below.
Included are features on men's basketball player Steve Tchiengang, former women's basketball player Dee Davisa and former football player Renford Reese. There is also a story on the life as a relief pitcher, a Q&A with Mallory Hitt from the track team and much more.
To view more archived issues, click here.
The April issue of Commodore Nation is now available online by clicking below.
Included are features on men's basketball player Steve Tchiengang, former women's basketball player Dee Davisa and former football player Renford Reese. There is also a story on the life as a relief pitcher, a Q&A with Mallory Hitt from the track team and much more.
To view more archived issues, click here.
SEC players on NBA Early-Entry Draft list
by Barca Blog
Last week, I posted the list of SEC basketball players that planned to leave school early for the NBA Draft. Two more underclassmen -- Dee Bost and Ravern Johnson from Mississippi State -- declared for the draft prior to last Sunday's deadline, pushing the number of conference entries to 12.
Underclassmen have until May 8th to withdraw their name and return to school, unless they've already signed an agent. The NBA Draft will be held on June 24 in New York City.
Here's the official SEC rundown:
Eric Bledsoe, G, 6-1, 190, FR, Kentucky
Dee Bost, G, 6-2, 170, SO, Mississippi State
DeMarcus Cousins, F, 6-11, 260, FR, Kentucky
Courtney Fortson, G, 5-11, 180, SO, Arkansas
Ravern Johnson, G, 6-7, 175, JR, Mississippi State
A.J. Ogilvy, C, 6-11, 250, JR, Vanderbilt
Daniel Orton, F, 6-10, 255, FR, Kentucky
Patrick Patterson, F, 6-9, 235, JR, Kentucky
Eniel Polynice, G, 6-5, 225, JR, Ole Miss
Alex Tyus, F, 6-8, 220, JR, Florida
John Wall, G, 6-4, 195, FR, Kentucky
Terrico White, G, 6-5, 211, SO, Ole Miss
Last week, I posted the list of SEC basketball players that planned to leave school early for the NBA Draft. Two more underclassmen -- Dee Bost and Ravern Johnson from Mississippi State -- declared for the draft prior to last Sunday's deadline, pushing the number of conference entries to 12.
Underclassmen have until May 8th to withdraw their name and return to school, unless they've already signed an agent. The NBA Draft will be held on June 24 in New York City.
Here's the official SEC rundown:
Eric Bledsoe, G, 6-1, 190, FR, Kentucky
Dee Bost, G, 6-2, 170, SO, Mississippi State
DeMarcus Cousins, F, 6-11, 260, FR, Kentucky
Courtney Fortson, G, 5-11, 180, SO, Arkansas
Ravern Johnson, G, 6-7, 175, JR, Mississippi State
A.J. Ogilvy, C, 6-11, 250, JR, Vanderbilt
Daniel Orton, F, 6-10, 255, FR, Kentucky
Patrick Patterson, F, 6-9, 235, JR, Kentucky
Eniel Polynice, G, 6-5, 225, JR, Ole Miss
Alex Tyus, F, 6-8, 220, JR, Florida
John Wall, G, 6-4, 195, FR, Kentucky
Terrico White, G, 6-5, 211, SO, Ole Miss
SEC spring football teleconference
by Barca Blog
The SEC conducted its spring football coaches media teleconference (listen to audio) on Thursday afternoon.
Head coach Bobby Johnson made the following comments:
Opening Statement:
"We had a very good spring. We had one major injury: Adam Smotherman with a torn ACL. We're hoping to get him back sometime in the first half of the season, but it will probably be somewhere in the middle.
"We had some different staff assignments that we were working on. We're also testing some players at certain positions and thought we got some good work in and created some competition. I think everything started to come together in the last five practices and we really liked the progress that we made."
On possible SEC expansion:
"I really haven't thought about it that much. I think Commissioner Slive's been on the forefront of just about everything as it came down the pike. He was there for the TV contract for ESPN. He knows what's going on, and I'll trust he'll let us know at spring meetings what he's thinking and what our situation is.
"I think it's a conference that can certainly attract other schools if they're interested in tough competition. It's going to be an interesting thing to watch to see how it progresses."
On Thomas Welch being drafted by New England:
"Thomas was actually a quarterback in high school at one time, and his high school moved him to tight end, which is what we recruited him as. When he came here, we had a lot of injuries on the offensive line, and Thomas was getting bigger, so we moved him to offensive tackle. In fact, during his sophomore year, his first playing time was against Florida. He did a good job so we kept him there.
"Because he once was a quarterback and tight end, he's very athletic for his size. He's close to 6'6 and over 300 pounds and carries it well. He has good feet.
"Coach Belichick came down to visit him and talked with everyone about him. I think he feels good about Thomas as one of those guys that's a good athlete that can handle his position."
On the challenges of coaching at an older age (in reference to Steve Spurrier):
"There are some physical challenges and it helps if you workout regularly to help you withstand the rigors of the early mornings and late nights with a lot of travel. You know, there's a lot of time out in the sun. It's pretty tough. It's smart for most people to workout.
"When someone decides to get out of coaching, I think it's going to be for a multitude of factors. I don't think it's just health. I think it's also about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Everyone has their own criteria."
On coaching staff changes and identifying offensive problems from last year:
"It's not necessarily just the coaching staff. I think it's the whole offense, from coaches down to the players it has to get better, and that's including the head coach, too. That's why I made those (staff) changes.
"I think I had Jimmy (Kiser) in a pretty tough situation last year. I was trying to not rock the boat and keep things the same with a little bit of changes. He was play calling last year but didn't have the full power of vetoing certain plays or planning the game plan around the way he likes to call a game. Plus he was coaching the quarterbacks, and that's the guy who has the toughest job. I just thought it made more sense for Jimmy if he's going to be the play caller to coordinate it, too.
"It took us a little while in spring practice to adapt. We started clicking pretty good in the last five practices with three of those being scrimmages. We feel pretty good about it."
On different schemes on offense:
"There are going to be some different looks with maybe even a different tempo. We're going to have about three different tempos. We're not going to be a team that's going to run up to the line of scrimmage all the time. We're going to try to get the defense to identify itself some and then react off of that. Sometimes we'll try to put them in a hurry-up mode. Sometimes we'll try to milk the clock down further and try to help our defense from staying off the field.
"On the schemes, most of them are going to be the same. Jimmy has some good ideas on things we can add easily and not overburden our team mentally."
On the strength of the SEC:
"It's always great to be in the Southeastern conference. When you go out recruiting, it just helps your program because people want to play in it, especially in the major parts of the country that we recruit in, the southeastern footprint.
"We feel that we have a great product and give recruits a chance to get a fantastic education while playing in the best conference in the country. When Alabama wins the national championship, or Florida and LSU, it's just a feather in our hat also, and we try to take advantage of it."
"As far as the gap (in the SEC), each team can only be signing 25 per year, supposedly, and you just have to go out there and get yours to make sure that gap doesn't widen any more. We know the situation that we're in here at Vanderbilt. We're under a little more restrictions that other schools and we accept that. We want a certain type of student-athlete to come here and we're prepared to compete with those guys."
Head coach Bobby Johnson made the following comments:
Opening Statement:
"We had a very good spring. We had one major injury: Adam Smotherman with a torn ACL. We're hoping to get him back sometime in the first half of the season, but it will probably be somewhere in the middle.
"We had some different staff assignments that we were working on. We're also testing some players at certain positions and thought we got some good work in and created some competition. I think everything started to come together in the last five practices and we really liked the progress that we made."
On possible SEC expansion:
"I really haven't thought about it that much. I think Commissioner Slive's been on the forefront of just about everything as it came down the pike. He was there for the TV contract for ESPN. He knows what's going on, and I'll trust he'll let us know at spring meetings what he's thinking and what our situation is.
"I think it's a conference that can certainly attract other schools if they're interested in tough competition. It's going to be an interesting thing to watch to see how it progresses."
On Thomas Welch being drafted by New England:
"Thomas was actually a quarterback in high school at one time, and his high school moved him to tight end, which is what we recruited him as. When he came here, we had a lot of injuries on the offensive line, and Thomas was getting bigger, so we moved him to offensive tackle. In fact, during his sophomore year, his first playing time was against Florida. He did a good job so we kept him there.
"Because he once was a quarterback and tight end, he's very athletic for his size. He's close to 6'6 and over 300 pounds and carries it well. He has good feet.
"Coach Belichick came down to visit him and talked with everyone about him. I think he feels good about Thomas as one of those guys that's a good athlete that can handle his position."
On the challenges of coaching at an older age (in reference to Steve Spurrier):
"There are some physical challenges and it helps if you workout regularly to help you withstand the rigors of the early mornings and late nights with a lot of travel. You know, there's a lot of time out in the sun. It's pretty tough. It's smart for most people to workout.
"When someone decides to get out of coaching, I think it's going to be for a multitude of factors. I don't think it's just health. I think it's also about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Everyone has their own criteria."
On coaching staff changes and identifying offensive problems from last year:
"It's not necessarily just the coaching staff. I think it's the whole offense, from coaches down to the players it has to get better, and that's including the head coach, too. That's why I made those (staff) changes.
"I think I had Jimmy (Kiser) in a pretty tough situation last year. I was trying to not rock the boat and keep things the same with a little bit of changes. He was play calling last year but didn't have the full power of vetoing certain plays or planning the game plan around the way he likes to call a game. Plus he was coaching the quarterbacks, and that's the guy who has the toughest job. I just thought it made more sense for Jimmy if he's going to be the play caller to coordinate it, too.
"It took us a little while in spring practice to adapt. We started clicking pretty good in the last five practices with three of those being scrimmages. We feel pretty good about it."
On different schemes on offense:
"There are going to be some different looks with maybe even a different tempo. We're going to have about three different tempos. We're not going to be a team that's going to run up to the line of scrimmage all the time. We're going to try to get the defense to identify itself some and then react off of that. Sometimes we'll try to put them in a hurry-up mode. Sometimes we'll try to milk the clock down further and try to help our defense from staying off the field.
"On the schemes, most of them are going to be the same. Jimmy has some good ideas on things we can add easily and not overburden our team mentally."
On the strength of the SEC:
"It's always great to be in the Southeastern conference. When you go out recruiting, it just helps your program because people want to play in it, especially in the major parts of the country that we recruit in, the southeastern footprint.
"We feel that we have a great product and give recruits a chance to get a fantastic education while playing in the best conference in the country. When Alabama wins the national championship, or Florida and LSU, it's just a feather in our hat also, and we try to take advantage of it."
"As far as the gap (in the SEC), each team can only be signing 25 per year, supposedly, and you just have to go out there and get yours to make sure that gap doesn't widen any more. We know the situation that we're in here at Vanderbilt. We're under a little more restrictions that other schools and we accept that. We want a certain type of student-athlete to come here and we're prepared to compete with those guys."
Thursday, April 29, 2010
NCAA Baseball Regional predictions
by Barca Blog
Kendall Rogers (Rivals.com) and Mark Etheridge (SEbaseball.com) have dropped Vanderbilt from a regional host to a No. 2 seed in their latest NCAA projections.
Both writers predict that the Commodores will be sent to Georgia Tech for the opening round. Rogers also has Western Kentucky and Army in Atlanta, while Etheridge rounds out the region with Western Carolina and Central Michigan.
The 'Dores have four conference series remaining in the regular season. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for May 31, the Monday following the SEC Tournament.
Rivals.com Projections | SEbaseball Projections
Kendall Rogers (Rivals.com) and Mark Etheridge (SEbaseball.com) have dropped Vanderbilt from a regional host to a No. 2 seed in their latest NCAA projections.
Both writers predict that the Commodores will be sent to Georgia Tech for the opening round. Rogers also has Western Kentucky and Army in Atlanta, while Etheridge rounds out the region with Western Carolina and Central Michigan.
The 'Dores have four conference series remaining in the regular season. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for May 31, the Monday following the SEC Tournament.
Rivals.com Projections | SEbaseball Projections
Video: Johnson, Perdue at golf event
by Barca Blog
Watch footage (below) of Bobby Johnson and Will Perdue at Chick-fil-A's charity golf tournament in Greensboro, Ga., on Tuesday. The Commodore team finished tied for sixth while Johnson won the coaches' long drive contest.
Watch footage (below) of Bobby Johnson and Will Perdue at Chick-fil-A's charity golf tournament in Greensboro, Ga., on Tuesday. The Commodore team finished tied for sixth while Johnson won the coaches' long drive contest.
Baseball intro songs
by Barca Blog
Here's my best attempt at compiling the list of baseball player intro songs at Hawkins Field this season. Please note that it might not be 100 percent accurate since the guys change their music from time to time. Also, not everyone picked a song.
My choice? Depends on the day. Today I'm feeling Frank Stallone's "Far from Over." It would take me four minutes to enter the batter's box because I'd have to listen to the entire track to fully embrace the greatness that is Frank Stallone.
Sonny Gray: Jay-Z "On to the next one"
Andrew Giobbi: T.I. "My Life, Your Entertainment"
Brian Harris: 30 Seconds to Mars "Kings and Queens"
Joe Loftus: Jason Derulo "Ridin' Solo"
Riley Reynolds: Fabolous "It's My Time"
Curt Casali: Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop"
Bryan Johns: Yung LA "Ain't I"
Regan Flaherty: Maino ft. T-Pain "All of the Above"
Anthony Gomez: Three 6 Mafia "Feel It"
Andrew Harris: Montgomery Gentry "My Town"
Mike Yastrzemski: Gang Starr "Work"
Connor Harrell: Houston Marchman "South Texas Rain"
Jason Esposito: Jay-Z "Moment of Clarity"
Corey Williams: Dierks Bentley "Free and Easy"
Jordan Wormsley: Kanye West "I Wonder"
Kennan Kolinsky: Blake Shelton "Hillbilly Bone"
Russell Brewer: Little Big Town "Boondocks"
Drew Hayes: Jack Owen "8 Second Ride"
Aaron Westlake: Skillet "Awake and Alive"
Nate Gonzalez: John Cena "My Time is Now"
Sam Selman: Pat Green "Way Back Texas"
Drew Fann: Kanye West "Amazing"
Will Clinard: Linkin Park "Faint"
Here's my best attempt at compiling the list of baseball player intro songs at Hawkins Field this season. Please note that it might not be 100 percent accurate since the guys change their music from time to time. Also, not everyone picked a song.
My choice? Depends on the day. Today I'm feeling Frank Stallone's "Far from Over." It would take me four minutes to enter the batter's box because I'd have to listen to the entire track to fully embrace the greatness that is Frank Stallone.
Sonny Gray: Jay-Z "On to the next one"
Andrew Giobbi: T.I. "My Life, Your Entertainment"
Brian Harris: 30 Seconds to Mars "Kings and Queens"
Joe Loftus: Jason Derulo "Ridin' Solo"
Riley Reynolds: Fabolous "It's My Time"
Curt Casali: Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop"
Bryan Johns: Yung LA "Ain't I"
Regan Flaherty: Maino ft. T-Pain "All of the Above"
Anthony Gomez: Three 6 Mafia "Feel It"
Andrew Harris: Montgomery Gentry "My Town"
Mike Yastrzemski: Gang Starr "Work"
Connor Harrell: Houston Marchman "South Texas Rain"
Jason Esposito: Jay-Z "Moment of Clarity"
Corey Williams: Dierks Bentley "Free and Easy"
Jordan Wormsley: Kanye West "I Wonder"
Kennan Kolinsky: Blake Shelton "Hillbilly Bone"
Russell Brewer: Little Big Town "Boondocks"
Drew Hayes: Jack Owen "8 Second Ride"
Aaron Westlake: Skillet "Awake and Alive"
Nate Gonzalez: John Cena "My Time is Now"
Sam Selman: Pat Green "Way Back Texas"
Drew Fann: Kanye West "Amazing"
Will Clinard: Linkin Park "Faint"
Video: Jenkins feature on Fox 17
By A. BoggsJohn Jenkins' visit to Stewartsboro Elementary School was shown on Fox 17 on Wednesday night in their 9 o'clock newscast.
Click here to watch the feature.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Westmeade Field Day
By WeinmanEarlier today, Commodore student-athletes hosted children from Westmeade Elementary for a Field Day at the Vanderbilt track & field complex. I dropped by to take some photos of the 100's of kids -- both big and small -- playing a variety of games on an absolutely beautiful day.
Photo GalleryOften times, it was hard to tell who was having more fun -- the kids from Westmeade or the Vanderbilt students. The elementary kids were put in teams before making their way through a host of activities which included kickball, capture the flag, water balloons and box ball along with more traditional sports drills like football, soccer and basketball.
The morning ended with both sides saying their thank you's and enjoying pizza.
The morning ended with both sides saying their thank you's and enjoying pizza.
Photos: Johnson at charity golf event
by Barca Blog
Football head coach Bobby Johnson and former basketball standout Will Perdue represented Vanderbilt for the second year in a row at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament Tuesday.
The Commodore duo finished tied for 6th and netted $22,500 to go to Vanderbilt's scholarship fund. Johnson also won the coaches' longest drive competition (275 yards).
For Leathers' complete recap of the event, click here.
Also, check out Paul Abell's photos from the event. Click image to enlarge.
Each ACC and SEC coach that participated in the event (12 overall) was paired with a former athlete from their school. Click the photo below for a closer look at the field.
Front Row: Steve Sloan, Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Sterling Sharpe, Natrone Means and Butch Davis.
Second Row: Jimbo Fisher, Terrell Buckley, Billy Packer, Jim Grobe, Brad Clontz and Frank Beamer.
Third Row: Stan Gelbaugh, Ralph Friedgen, Monte Towe and Sidney Lowe.
Fourth Row: Bobby Johnson, Jon Barry, Wesley Walls and Houston Nutt.
Back Row: Will Perdue, Paul Johnson, Dabo Swinney and Dwight Clark.
Football head coach Bobby Johnson and former basketball standout Will Perdue represented Vanderbilt for the second year in a row at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament Tuesday.
The Commodore duo finished tied for 6th and netted $22,500 to go to Vanderbilt's scholarship fund. Johnson also won the coaches' longest drive competition (275 yards).
For Leathers' complete recap of the event, click here.
Also, check out Paul Abell's photos from the event. Click image to enlarge.
Each ACC and SEC coach that participated in the event (12 overall) was paired with a former athlete from their school. Click the photo below for a closer look at the field.
Front Row: Steve Sloan, Nick Saban, Steve Spurrier, Sterling Sharpe, Natrone Means and Butch Davis.Second Row: Jimbo Fisher, Terrell Buckley, Billy Packer, Jim Grobe, Brad Clontz and Frank Beamer.
Third Row: Stan Gelbaugh, Ralph Friedgen, Monte Towe and Sidney Lowe.
Fourth Row: Bobby Johnson, Jon Barry, Wesley Walls and Houston Nutt.
Back Row: Will Perdue, Paul Johnson, Dabo Swinney and Dwight Clark.
Men's Basketball awards
by Barca Blog (Photo by John Russell)Earlier this week, Vanderbilt men's basketball held their annual team dinner to reflect on the 2009-10 season. Five Commodores were recognized for their contributions:
MVP: Jermaine Beal*
Captains: Jermaine Beal
Leadership: Jermaine Beal*
Defense: Jeffery Taylor*
Most Improved: John Jenkins*
Scholar Athlete: Joe Duffy
Coaches: Chris Meriwether
*Voted on by players
Mark Emmert selected to head NCAA
From NCAA.com
INDIANAPOLIS --- University of Washington President Mark A. Emmert was named today by the NCAA Executive Committee as president of the organization. Emmert will become the fifth CEO of the Association and is expected to assume his duties on November 1, 2010.
Emmert fills a vacancy created by the passing of NCAA President Myles Brand in September 2009 and will take over duties of the office from interim President James L. Isch.
Click here to read more
Emmert fills a vacancy created by the passing of NCAA President Myles Brand in September 2009 and will take over duties of the office from interim President James L. Isch.
Click here to read more
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Spend your summer at VU's sports camps
With summer just around the corner, make sure you register your children for Vanderbilt’s varsity sports camps. Vanderbilt provides a fun and exciting learning environment for youth of all ages. Campers have the opportunity to improve their skills and receive guidance from some of the best coaches in the country.
Click here to sign-up today!
All university and medical center faculty/staff will be given a 15% registration discount. To obtain this discount, all faculty/staff are required to provide their ID number upon registering.
Baseball starting lineup at Austin Peay
By Travis Young
Clarksville gametime weather report: Partly cloudy, 55 degrees. Winds blowing from Northwest at 11 mph.
Here is tonight's lineup against Austin Peay
Brian Harris, SS
Anthony Gomez, 2B
Curt Casali, DH
Jason Esposito, 3B
Aaron Westlake, 1B
Andrew Giobbi, C
Connor Harrell, CF
Joe Loftus, RF
Bryan Johns, LF
Grayson Garvin, SP
Garvin (1-1, 0.00 ERA) gets the call tonight for the Commodores on the mound. The lefthander will be making his first start of the season and second start of his career. Garvin has 9 strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work this year. The southpaw started the 2010 season by striking out the side in his first two one-inning relief appearances. Garvin faced two batters in Sunday's game two of the doubleheader against Tennessee allowing one hit and a walk.
Baseball to have Canned Food Drive
Vanderbilt's baseball team, in conjunction with the Second Harvest Food Bank, will be conducting a canned food drive at all three weekend baseball games against Georgia (April 30-May 2).
The team and athletic department encourage anyone coming to the game to bring a canned food item to donate. Players from the baseball team will be set-up outside the main gate collecting donations.
Last season a group of players (pictured above) organized a food drive for the Florida series. In all, 762 pounds of food were collected during the three-day series vs. Florida. Their slogan was "Take a Bite Out of Hunger and the Florida Gators."
Junior infielder Bryan Johns, student manager Tyler Pirtle, and sophomore catcher Drew Fann are organizing the food drive this year, in conjunction with a class project. The players are starting things off by using their own money to buy canned goods to donate into the boxes. They are going to continue the theme and this year it will be: "Take a Bite Out of Hunger and the Georgia Bulldogs."
Slive comments on conference expansion
Associated Press
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive says the league isn't considering adding teams but is working on a plan to keep up with other conferences if they expand just in case.
The commissioner said Monday that the 12-member SEC hasn't talked to any institutions about joining and has no plans to do so. The expansion exploration is just an internal look at the potential advantages and disadvantages in case there is a "significant shift in the conference paradigm," he said.
Click here to read more
My take: When it comes down to it, it's all about money. And like the R&B mega-duo Calloway, "I wanna be rich."
Enjoy their only smash hit below... and check out the killer double kick followed by a sweet roundhouse at the 3:40 mark. Stunning.
The commissioner said Monday that the 12-member SEC hasn't talked to any institutions about joining and has no plans to do so. The expansion exploration is just an internal look at the potential advantages and disadvantages in case there is a "significant shift in the conference paradigm," he said.
Click here to read more
My take: When it comes down to it, it's all about money. And like the R&B mega-duo Calloway, "I wanna be rich."
Enjoy their only smash hit below... and check out the killer double kick followed by a sweet roundhouse at the 3:40 mark. Stunning.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Photos: Sunday vs. Tennessee, Game 1
Check out 50+ photos from the Commodores' 4-2 loss to Tennessee in game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader in Knoxville. Pictures include Curt Casali's game-tying homer, Joe Loftus' assist to Andrew Giobbi at home plate, and more.View Jimmy Jones' Gallery
Vierling, Hamilton sign free agent deals
by Barca Blog
Jeff Lockridge of The Tennessean is reporting that former Commodore center Bradley Vierling will sign a free agent contract with Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Vierling originally planned to try out with Cleveland, but had a change of heart when the Steelers came to the table with their offer.
“(Pittsburgh) said they went back in the film room after the draft and watched more film on me against first-round draft pick Dan Williams (of the Tennessee Vols)," Vierling told Lockridge. "They thought I did an exceptional job against him. They said they had underestimated me and wanted me to become a Steeler.”
Vierling becomes the second 'Dore to sign a free agent deal. Safety Ryan Hamilton inked with New Orleans at the conclusion of the draft on Saturday.
Stay with us for more updates.
And for the video of the day, YouTube Sports draft expert Kige Ramsey gives his take on the winners and losers from the weekend.
Vierling originally planned to try out with Cleveland, but had a change of heart when the Steelers came to the table with their offer.
“(Pittsburgh) said they went back in the film room after the draft and watched more film on me against first-round draft pick Dan Williams (of the Tennessee Vols)," Vierling told Lockridge. "They thought I did an exceptional job against him. They said they had underestimated me and wanted me to become a Steeler.”
Vierling becomes the second 'Dore to sign a free agent deal. Safety Ryan Hamilton inked with New Orleans at the conclusion of the draft on Saturday.
Stay with us for more updates.
And for the video of the day, YouTube Sports draft expert Kige Ramsey gives his take on the winners and losers from the weekend.
Chavous adds expertise to draft coverage
by Leathers (Photo by NFL.com)If NFL Network’s draft coverage tops that of rival ESPN, they can thank former Commodore standout Corey Chavous for the success. For two full days, Chavous demonstrated an array of in-depth knowledge on the NFL Network. Even as the proceedings were coming to a close, Chavous was pinpointing strengths and weaknesses of every seventh round pick. He even talked about a handful of promising guys that went undrafted.
Even during his pro career, Chavous was a connoisseur of the NFL Draft, specializing in his own player analysis. For the last year, Chavous has been traveling to college campuses, getting a upclose look at hundreds of prospects for his own draft-oriented website, www.draftnasty.com.
The effort sure paid off last weekend.
SEC dominates NFL Draft again
Numbers courtesy of the SEC ...
· The SEC had 49 players selected in the 2010 NFL Draft. The number represents the most SEC players ever taken in the NFL Draft.
· The SEC had the most players taken among conferences in the draft. Behind the SEC’s 49 selections were the Big Ten (34), ACC (31), Big 12 (30) and Pac-10 (29).
· Since 1990, the SEC has had 782 total selections in the NFL Draft, an average of 37.2 selections per year. The Big Ten is second with 672 selections.
· The SEC has now led or tied for the most selections in the NFL Draft for 11 of the last 13 seasons and the last four drafts.
· The SEC had at least five players taken in every round of this season’s draft.
· There have been 67 first round SEC selections in last 10 drafts, an average 6.7 per year.
· Since 2004, the SEC has had 32 players taken in the first 18 picks of the first round.
· In the last eight NFL drafts, 11 of 12 SEC teams had at least one player go in the top 11 of the first round.
· The SEC has had 3 of the top 8 picks in NFL draft for 4th straight year and 5 of last 6 years.
· The SEC had the most players taken among conferences in the draft. Behind the SEC’s 49 selections were the Big Ten (34), ACC (31), Big 12 (30) and Pac-10 (29).
· Since 1990, the SEC has had 782 total selections in the NFL Draft, an average of 37.2 selections per year. The Big Ten is second with 672 selections.
· The SEC has now led or tied for the most selections in the NFL Draft for 11 of the last 13 seasons and the last four drafts.
· The SEC had at least five players taken in every round of this season’s draft.
· There have been 67 first round SEC selections in last 10 drafts, an average 6.7 per year.
· Since 2004, the SEC has had 32 players taken in the first 18 picks of the first round.
· In the last eight NFL drafts, 11 of 12 SEC teams had at least one player go in the top 11 of the first round.
· The SEC has had 3 of the top 8 picks in NFL draft for 4th straight year and 5 of last 6 years.
SEC Baseball weekend wrap up
by Barca Blog (Photo by Jimmy Jones)SEC Series Weekend Results
Conference Recaps: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Tennessee over Vanderbilt, 2-1, in Knoxville
VU 10-1, UT 4-2, UT 4-3
South Carolina over Georgia, 3-0, in Athens
SC 11-4, SC 5-0, SC 8-7
Florida over Arkansas, 2-1, in Gainesville
UA 8-3, UF 8-2, UF 2-1
Ole Miss over LSU, 3-0, in Oxford
OM 11-9, OM 9-8, OM 7-6
Auburn over Kentucky, 2-1, in Auburn
AU 13-6, UK 8-7, AU 6-5
Alabama over Miss. State, 3-0, in Tuscaloosa
UA 8-5, UA 9-8, UA 6-4
Updated SEC Standings
| EAST | CONF. W-L | OVERALL W-L |
| South Carolina | 14-4 | 32-8 |
| Florida | 12-6 | 28-11 |
| Vanderbilt | 9-9 | 32-11 |
| Kentucky | 6-12 | 23-17 |
| Tennessee | 6-12 | 21-20 |
| Georgia | 3-15 | 12-28 |
| WEST | CONF. W-L | OVERALL W-L |
| Arkansas | 13-5 | 33-8 |
| Ole Miss | 11-7 | 28-13 |
| LSU | 11-7 | 32-9 |
| Auburn | 10-8 | 27-14 |
| Alabama | 8-10 | 25-15 |
| Mississippi State | 5-13 | 20-20 |
Week 10 Vanderbilt Baseball Notebook
by SID (Photo by Jimmy Jones)Record Overall: 32-11, 9-9 SEC
Record for the Week: 3-2
Last Week
4/20: Vanderbilt 13, Lipscomb 10
4/21: Vanderbilt 11, Middle Tennessee 10
4/23: Vanderbilt 10, Tennessee 1
4/25: Tennessee 4, Vanderbilt 2 (11)
4/25: Tennessee 4, Vanderbilt 3 (7)
This Week (Buy Tickets)
4/27: at Austin Peay, 6 p.m. CT, Clarksville
4/30: vs. Georgia, 6 p.m. CT, Nashville
5/1: vs. Georgia (CSS), 6 p.m. CT, Nashville
5/2: vs. Georgia, 1 p.m. CT, Nashville
Vanderbilt went 3-2 on the week, winning the first three games of the week, before dropping a doubleheader to Tennessee on Sunday … With the doubleheader sweep, UT has now won five of the last six meetings against the Commodores … Vanderbilt has lost all three of its SEC road series this year … The team’s 4-2 loss in the first game of the doubleheader was the team’s first in three extra inning contests this year. They defeated Indiana, 6-5 in 11 innings and Austin Peay, 2-1 in 11 innings earlier this year.
Last Tuesday’s win over Lipscomb was the team’s 30th victory of the year, marking the seventh straight season the team has reached that plateau … The Commodores are 23-2 in non-conference games and 9-9 in league play ... Tuesday’s game against Austin Peay could be the final non-conference regular season game of the year. VU has played 43 games, with 14 left on the schedule. Teams can play only 56 games in the regular season, so barring a rainout this week or next week at LSU, the Louisville game on May 11 would have to be cancelled.
VU made seven errors in the three games against UT (.942 fielding percentage) and that led to four unearned runs. The pitching staff sported a 1.71 ERA with 23 strikeouts and nine walks in 26.1 innings against the Vols and limited them to just a .214 team batting average … Offensively the team hit .299 for the week and just .247 against UT.
On Friday night, Sonny Gray won his second straight game to improve to 6-4 on the year, tying a season high with 10 strikeouts. He allowed just one run on a solo homer in the third inning and gave up just three hits and did not walk a batter. Gray lowered his ERA to a team-best 2.22. The Smyrna, Tenn., native has 72 strikeouts in 69.0 innings this year while opponents are hitting just .205 off him.
Taylor Hill allowed three runs, two earned on nine hits with five strikeouts and no walks in 6.2 innings in game two of double-header. Hill has been phenomenal in his last three starts. The junior has allowed only five earned runs in his last 23 innings for a 1.96 ERA. Hill has 15 strikeouts and only one walk in his last three starts combined. The right-hander hasn’t seen much run support in his last three outings as he sports a 0-1 record during that stretch.
Jack Armstrong gave up two runs, both unearned, on four hits in 4.2 innings with three walks and no strikeouts in game one to earn the no-decision in game one of Sunday’s double-header.
Curt Casali’s solo home run in the top of seventh was his fourth long-ball of the year. It marked his first home run since homering on March 6 against Illinois State. Casali led Vanderbilt at the plate this weekend, going 5-for-9 (.556) with a home run and an RBI.
Aaron Westlake was 4-for-11 with three RBI while Connor Harrell had three RBI in two games … On the week, Westlake was 10-for-21 (.476) with two doubles, a homer, six RBI and five runs scored … Harrell was 7-for-15 (.467) with two doubles, five RBI and four runs scored.
Jason Esposito was 7-for-20 (.350) with a homer, seven RBI and five runs scored while also perfect on five stolen base attempts. With his stolen base in the first inning of game one Sunday against Tennessee, Esposito raised his season total to 21 stolen bases. The mark also tops his 2009 season-total of 20 swiped bags. In 43 games this year, Esposito has converted 21 of 24 stolen base attempts and is tied with Chris Bisson of Kentucky for the league lead.
VU closes out its six-game road trip Tuesday night at Austin Peay before hosting Georgia for three games over the weekend. After the series against the Bulldogs, VU will be on the road the next two weekends (at LSU, at Mississippi State) before closing out the regular season against Top 10 ranked Arkansas (May 20-22).
Women's Golf selection show later today
By A. Boggs
The women's golf team will find out which NCAA Regional they will participate in this afternoon at 3 p.m.
The three regionals will take place in Greenville, N.C. (East Regional), Bloomington, Ind. (Central Regional), and Palo Alto, Calif. (West Regional), with 24 teams slotted in every location. The dates for the regional competition are May 6-8.
The top eight teams and the top two players not associated with the best eight teams advance from each regional to the NCAA Championship, which takes place May 18-21 at the Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington, N.C.
Stay tuned to vucommodores.com for more information.
The three regionals will take place in Greenville, N.C. (East Regional), Bloomington, Ind. (Central Regional), and Palo Alto, Calif. (West Regional), with 24 teams slotted in every location. The dates for the regional competition are May 6-8.
The top eight teams and the top two players not associated with the best eight teams advance from each regional to the NCAA Championship, which takes place May 18-21 at the Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington, N.C.
Stay tuned to vucommodores.com for more information.
Photo of the Day
Price throws complete game shutout
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)— David Price finally got to finish what he started.Price (3-1) threw a complete game shutout and Tampa Bay beat Toronto 6-0 on Sunday.
"Now I know what it takes," Price said. "I've been there and I've done that now. I've got that first little taste in my mouth. Now I want more. On this staff, five or six innings isn't enough. We want to go seven, eight or nine, and that's what these guys have been doing all year."
Click to Read More | Video Highlights
(Photo: Getty Images)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday baseball lineup (Game 1)
By Travis Young
Weather: Fair skies, 72 degrees. The wind will be a major factor today, blowing from southwest at 28 mph and gusting up to 34 mph.
Here is the lineup for the first game of the double-header.
1. Anthony Gomez 2B
2. Brian Harris SS
3. Jason Esposito 3B
4. Curt Casali DH
5. Aaron Westlake 1B
6. Andrew Giobbi C
7. Connor Harrell CF
8. Joe Loftus RF
9. Mike Yastrzemski LF
SP: Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21 ERA)
Tennessee will send righthander Stephen McCray to the mound in game one. McCray (4-3, 2.59 ERA) is making his 10th start of the season. The senior has 39 strikeouts and 17 walks in 55.2 innings this year. Opponents are hitting just .220 off him.
Tennessee will send righthander Stephen McCray to the mound in game one. McCray (4-3, 2.59 ERA) is making his 10th start of the season. The senior has 39 strikeouts and 17 walks in 55.2 innings this year. Opponents are hitting just .220 off him.
Click here for in-game coverage, (audio, video and live stats) of today's double-header
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday's baseball game postponed
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--- Game two of the Vanderbilt-Tennessee baseball series scheduled for a 6 p.m. CDT time start tonight has been postponed due to rain storms throughout the Southeast.
The teams will play two seven-inning games tomorrow starting at Noon CDT. Sophomore right-hander Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21 ERA) will take the hill in the opener and junior right-hander Taylor Hill (3-3, 3.30 ERA) will take the mound in the nightcap.
Neither game will be televised. Fans can listen to the broadcast on www.vucommodores.com.
The teams will play two seven-inning games tomorrow starting at Noon CDT. Sophomore right-hander Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21 ERA) will take the hill in the opener and junior right-hander Taylor Hill (3-3, 3.30 ERA) will take the mound in the nightcap.
Neither game will be televised. Fans can listen to the broadcast on www.vucommodores.com.
Flip It: Baseball rain delay in Knoxville
By Travis Young
As you know, due to constant heavy rains in the Knoxville area on Saturday, the Vanderbilt-Tennessee baseball game is in a rain delay. Right before the rain delay was announced, I walked over with the team to UT's indoor football training facility to get some video of the team taking infield and hacks in the cage.
See video below.
As you know, due to constant heavy rains in the Knoxville area on Saturday, the Vanderbilt-Tennessee baseball game is in a rain delay. Right before the rain delay was announced, I walked over with the team to UT's indoor football training facility to get some video of the team taking infield and hacks in the cage.
See video below.
Saturday lineup
By SID
Whatever storms hit the Southeast this morning/afternoon has made its way to Knoxville this evening. So far in the SEC: USC-UGA and UK-Auburn have postponed games and will play a doubleheader tomorrow. Mississippi State and Alabama had their Friday game postponed and are hoping to get it started at 8:30 p.m. CT and then play a doubleheader tomorrow.
Above picture is what it looks like an hour before the scheduled first pitch. With more rain coming, there is strong potential for this game to be postponed.
Here is the scheduled lineup
1. Anthony Gomez 2B
2. Brian Harris SS
3. Jason Esposito 3B
4. Curt Casali DH
5. Aaron Westlake 1B
6. Andrew Giobbi C
7. Connor Harrell CF
8. Joe Loftus RF
9. Mike Yastrzemski LF
SP: Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21 ERA)
Welch going to New England
Vanderbilt offensive tackle Thomas Welch was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the National Football League Draft on Saturday afternoon. Read More
NCAA ruling on Corbin and Gray
by SID
Lots of questions about the official ruling and ramifications on last night's ejection of Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin and ace right-hander Sonny Gray.
Per the NCAA rule book after teams have been warned for throwing at batters (unsportsmanlike actions) and then hit or throw at them again- then at the umpires discretion- the pitcher will be ejected from that contest and serve a four game suspension. The head coach will also be ejected and suspended for the next game only. There is no appeals process to this ruling.
NCAA rule below:
A.R. 5—If a pitcher is removed from the game and receives an ejection for unsportsmanlike actions, the pitcher will receive a four-game suspension.
So this means, barring any rainouts/cancellations of games, Gray will have to sit out the final two Tennessee games, the Austin Peay game on Tuesday AND the Friday night game against Georgia. He would be eligible to pitch against Georgia next Saturday night at Hawkins Field. Editor's note: He was unlikely to pitch in any of those games anyway until next Friday night so in reality will miss one game. If this was last week, when we had two midweek games, he would have been eligible to pitch on Friday night.
By rule, Gray and Coach Corbin are not allowed to be in the dugout or in stadium while serving their suspensions.
Per NCAA:
A suspended person cannot:
a) Be dressed in game uniform;
b) Communicate with any team personnel or umpires;
c) Take part in any pregame activities at the site of competition; and
d) Be in the stadium or on the field once pregame activities have started.
Associate head coach Derek Johnson will continue to handle the pitching staff/changes, while assistant coach Josh Holliday will handle the offensive side of things. Corbin will make out the lineup as usual, while Holliday will take over coaching at third base and make in game adjustments.
If there are any questions regarding this, leave in comments and I will do my best to answer. However, per SEC rules- coaches, players and university officials are to refrain from criticizing game officials.
Per the NCAA rule book after teams have been warned for throwing at batters (unsportsmanlike actions) and then hit or throw at them again- then at the umpires discretion- the pitcher will be ejected from that contest and serve a four game suspension. The head coach will also be ejected and suspended for the next game only. There is no appeals process to this ruling.
NCAA rule below:
A.R. 5—If a pitcher is removed from the game and receives an ejection for unsportsmanlike actions, the pitcher will receive a four-game suspension.
So this means, barring any rainouts/cancellations of games, Gray will have to sit out the final two Tennessee games, the Austin Peay game on Tuesday AND the Friday night game against Georgia. He would be eligible to pitch against Georgia next Saturday night at Hawkins Field. Editor's note: He was unlikely to pitch in any of those games anyway until next Friday night so in reality will miss one game. If this was last week, when we had two midweek games, he would have been eligible to pitch on Friday night.
By rule, Gray and Coach Corbin are not allowed to be in the dugout or in stadium while serving their suspensions.
Per NCAA:
A suspended person cannot:
a) Be dressed in game uniform;
b) Communicate with any team personnel or umpires;
c) Take part in any pregame activities at the site of competition; and
d) Be in the stadium or on the field once pregame activities have started.
Associate head coach Derek Johnson will continue to handle the pitching staff/changes, while assistant coach Josh Holliday will handle the offensive side of things. Corbin will make out the lineup as usual, while Holliday will take over coaching at third base and make in game adjustments.
If there are any questions regarding this, leave in comments and I will do my best to answer. However, per SEC rules- coaches, players and university officials are to refrain from criticizing game officials.
NFL Draft Day 3 underway
by Barca Blog
Going into the final day of the 2010 NFL Draft, the SEC leads all conferences with 23 overall selections, followed by the Pac-10 with 15 and Big 12 with 14.
Vanderbilt's Myron Lewis became the first Commodore drafted after Tampa Bay took the defensive back in the third round Friday night. Thomas Welch is the only other 'Dore expected to get picked.
You can follow minute-by-minute coverage of rounds 4-7 on Saturday on ESPN and the NFL Network. Click here to follow online.
Going into the final day of the 2010 NFL Draft, the SEC leads all conferences with 23 overall selections, followed by the Pac-10 with 15 and Big 12 with 14.
Vanderbilt's Myron Lewis became the first Commodore drafted after Tampa Bay took the defensive back in the third round Friday night. Thomas Welch is the only other 'Dore expected to get picked.
You can follow minute-by-minute coverage of rounds 4-7 on Saturday on ESPN and the NFL Network. Click here to follow online.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Lewis intends to bring physical play to Tampa
by Barca Blog
Myron Lewis' first comments to the media about being drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round of the NFL Draft Friday night (courtesy of the St. Petersburg Times - read more)
On his ability:
"I'm very aggressive against receivers … I'm able to stick with the bigger, taller receivers, and in the red zone, play the jump ball or deep ball. I'm going to come up and knock some heads off. I'm ready to go to work.
On the attention he recieved from Tampa before the draft:
"I got a little love from them, but I didn't expect it at all. When I saw my name go across that board, I was so excited."
On his ability:
"I'm very aggressive against receivers … I'm able to stick with the bigger, taller receivers, and in the red zone, play the jump ball or deep ball. I'm going to come up and knock some heads off. I'm ready to go to work.
On the attention he recieved from Tampa before the draft:
"I got a little love from them, but I didn't expect it at all. When I saw my name go across that board, I was so excited."
Tampa GM expects Lewis to compete for job
by Barca Blog
The wait is over for Vanderbilt defensive back Myron Lewis.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the Pompano Beach, Fla., native in the third round (67th overall) on Day 2 of the 2010 NFL Draft Friday night.
General manager Mark Dominik talked to the press a few hours ago about the strengths Lewis will bring to the franchise.
"Myron's going to play corner for us," Dominik said. "I think they are some people out there that talked about him playing safety. He's a big, tall, athletic corner with great ball skills. He's a good tackler. He's a great kid off the field as well. He's got very good feet for such a big man. Part of what we also want to do here is build a bigger football team and I think we did that today with his selection.
"We're excited for him. We see him going outside right away this year and competing for that nickel outside job. And we hope that he does a good job, and we obviously selected him to do so.
"I hope Myron can come in here and compete and earn a job like that because Ronde Barber's been a great football player for the Bucs."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the Pompano Beach, Fla., native in the third round (67th overall) on Day 2 of the 2010 NFL Draft Friday night.
General manager Mark Dominik talked to the press a few hours ago about the strengths Lewis will bring to the franchise.
"Myron's going to play corner for us," Dominik said. "I think they are some people out there that talked about him playing safety. He's a big, tall, athletic corner with great ball skills. He's a good tackler. He's a great kid off the field as well. He's got very good feet for such a big man. Part of what we also want to do here is build a bigger football team and I think we did that today with his selection.
"We're excited for him. We see him going outside right away this year and competing for that nickel outside job. And we hope that he does a good job, and we obviously selected him to do so.
"I hope Myron can come in here and compete and earn a job like that because Ronde Barber's been a great football player for the Bucs."
Friday lineup vs. Tennessee
by SID
It is a beautiful day right now at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville. It is 80 degrees with some clouds in the sky. Weather will play a factor throughout the SEC this weekend, we will keep you updated on the weather in Knoxville on www.vucommodores.com. Tonight should be good to go.
1. Anthony Gomez 2B
2. Brian Harris SS
3. Jason Esposito 3B
4. Curt Casali DH
5. Aaron Westlake 1B
6. Andrew Giobbi C
7. Connor Harrell CF
8. Joe Loftus RF
9. Bryan Johns LF
SP: Sonny Gray 5-4, 2.33 ERA
The Commodores were swept last year by the Vols, losing two of the games in extra innings. VU struggled at the plate as well as on the mound with a .271 team batting average and a 7.14 ERA.
Brian Harris was 5-for-13 (.385), while Curt Casali was 3-for-8 (.375) with four walks in the series.
Sonny Gray will look to improve on his performance of a year ago when he gave up four runs on eight hits in four innings with four strikeouts in the no-decision.
In fact the Commodores used nine pitchers in the three games, and just one didn't allow a run: Caleb Cotham who pitched 1.2 innings.
Here's looking for a reversal of fortune in an hour.
Baseball Series Prep: Tennessee
by Barca Blog
No. 15 Vanderbilt (31-9, 8-7 SEC) hits the road for a series with in-state rival Tennessee (19-19, 4-11) this weekend at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville.
If history is any indication, expect one team to walk away with the sweep. Four of the last five meetings have ended that way with the underdog Vols taking all three games at Hawkins Field last year.
Of course, Corbin's had UT's number during his tenure at Vandy with a 15-8 record. Also, the Vols continue to struggle under third-year coach Todd Raleigh and rank second to last in the conference standings. But those numbers don't mean much if you remember last year's disappointment.
Let's look at the probable weekend rotation:
Friday at 6 p.m. CT
RHP Sonny Gray (5-4, 2.34) vs. LHP Bryan Morgado (2-4, 5.88)
Saturday at 6 p.m. CT
RHP Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21) vs. RHP Stephen McCray (4-3, 2.59)
Sunday at 1 p.m. CT
RHP Taylor Hill (3-3, 3.30) vs. TBA
Friday's and Saturday's contest will be televised on CSS and ESPN3.com. UTsports.com will webcast Sunday's finale. You can also listen to Joe Fisher's radio call of each game on 560 AM and VUcommodores.com. For twitter updates, follow @VandyBaseball.
Also, keep an eye on the blog for road updates from SID and his sidekick, intern Travis.
For more information on the series, check out the official previews with game notes on VUcommodores.com and UTsports.com.
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Around the SEC this weekend - SECSports.com
Miss. State (20-17, 5-10) at Alabama (22-15, 5-10)
Arkansas (32-6, 12-3) at Florida (26-10, 10-5)
Kentucky (22-15, 5-10) at Auburn (25-13, 8-7)
South Carolina (29-8, 11-4) at Georgia (12-25, 3-12)
LSU (32-6, 11-4) at Ole Miss (25-13, 8-7)
------
Video of the Day
No wrestling clip this week, folks. Instead, I thought I'd give you an inside look at our weekly staff meetings in McGugin. Thanks to Braeburn for secretly recording the following footage.
If history is any indication, expect one team to walk away with the sweep. Four of the last five meetings have ended that way with the underdog Vols taking all three games at Hawkins Field last year.
Of course, Corbin's had UT's number during his tenure at Vandy with a 15-8 record. Also, the Vols continue to struggle under third-year coach Todd Raleigh and rank second to last in the conference standings. But those numbers don't mean much if you remember last year's disappointment.
Let's look at the probable weekend rotation:
Friday at 6 p.m. CT
RHP Sonny Gray (5-4, 2.34) vs. LHP Bryan Morgado (2-4, 5.88)
Saturday at 6 p.m. CT
RHP Jack Armstrong (5-1, 4.21) vs. RHP Stephen McCray (4-3, 2.59)
Sunday at 1 p.m. CT
RHP Taylor Hill (3-3, 3.30) vs. TBA
Friday's and Saturday's contest will be televised on CSS and ESPN3.com. UTsports.com will webcast Sunday's finale. You can also listen to Joe Fisher's radio call of each game on 560 AM and VUcommodores.com. For twitter updates, follow @VandyBaseball.
Also, keep an eye on the blog for road updates from SID and his sidekick, intern Travis.
For more information on the series, check out the official previews with game notes on VUcommodores.com and UTsports.com.
------
Around the SEC this weekend - SECSports.com
Miss. State (20-17, 5-10) at Alabama (22-15, 5-10)
Arkansas (32-6, 12-3) at Florida (26-10, 10-5)
Kentucky (22-15, 5-10) at Auburn (25-13, 8-7)
South Carolina (29-8, 11-4) at Georgia (12-25, 3-12)
LSU (32-6, 11-4) at Ole Miss (25-13, 8-7)
------
Video of the Day
No wrestling clip this week, folks. Instead, I thought I'd give you an inside look at our weekly staff meetings in McGugin. Thanks to Braeburn for secretly recording the following footage.
Leftovers from Auburn baseball series
by Barca Blog
Yes, it's been a week since the Commodores took two out of three from Auburn.
Well, I've been sitting on two items for the blog that might peak your interest... even if I'm a couple of days late.
I'm going to blame my procrastination on my family's new puppy, Jellybean (pictured above).
I received some requests to post an mp3 of Joe Fisher's radio call of Aaron Westlake's walk-off homer. You can put it on your iPod, iPad, or whatever. Click here to download.
Also, Schnab's hooked me up with this footage of Anthony Gomez's web gem and two of Taylor Hill's strikeouts. Enjoy.
Well, I've been sitting on two items for the blog that might peak your interest... even if I'm a couple of days late.
I'm going to blame my procrastination on my family's new puppy, Jellybean (pictured above).
I received some requests to post an mp3 of Joe Fisher's radio call of Aaron Westlake's walk-off homer. You can put it on your iPod, iPad, or whatever. Click here to download.
Also, Schnab's hooked me up with this footage of Anthony Gomez's web gem and two of Taylor Hill's strikeouts. Enjoy.
'Dores projected to host baseball regional
by Barca Blog
The latest NCAA baseball postseason projections are out and two experts think the Commodores would host a regional based on the season to date.
Both Kendall Rogers (Rivals.com) and Mark Etheridge (SEbaseball.com) listed Vanderbilt as the final team to get one of the 16 regional host sites. VU has a chance to improve its position over the next two weeks with series against Tennessee and Georgia, the bottom two teams in the conference.
With a 31-9 record, the Commodores are off to their second best start in school history, second to only the 2007 team's 32-8 mark. That team went on to host the only regional ever played at Hawkins Field.
Rivals.com's Regional Projections
SEBaseball.com's Regional Projections
Both Kendall Rogers (Rivals.com) and Mark Etheridge (SEbaseball.com) listed Vanderbilt as the final team to get one of the 16 regional host sites. VU has a chance to improve its position over the next two weeks with series against Tennessee and Georgia, the bottom two teams in the conference.
With a 31-9 record, the Commodores are off to their second best start in school history, second to only the 2007 team's 32-8 mark. That team went on to host the only regional ever played at Hawkins Field.
Rivals.com's Regional Projections
SEBaseball.com's Regional Projections
John Jenkins visits Stewartsboro Elementary
By A. BoggsVanderbilt rising sophomore John Jenkins made a surprise visit to Stewartsboro Elementary School in Smyrna, Tenn., on Thursday afternoon to an after-school reading group.
John read a book to the group, signed some autographs, and took a few pictures with the parents and students.
We all had a great time, and we want to thank Debra Marshall, a physical education teacher at Stewartsboro, and two students, Kyle Jones and Chris Hoak, for helping to arrange the visit. Also thanks to Dan Phillips and Dave Foster from Fox 17 for making the trip down to Smyrna.
Check out the photo gallery here.
NFL Draft first round recap
by Barca Blog
The first round of the NFL draft is in the books. The SEC was well represented with seven players selected, the second highest of the night. The Big 12 led all conferences with nine players drafted including five of the first six picks.
Rounds 2 and 3 will be televised live tonight at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and the NFL Network.
Round 1 - SEC Players
5th: Kansas City - Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee
7th: Cleveland - Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida
8th: Oakland - Rolando McClain, Linebacker, Alabama
18th: Pittsburgh - Maurkice Pouncey, Center, Florida
20th: Houston - Kareem Jackson, Cornerback, Alabama
25th: Denver - Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida
26th: Arizona - Dan Williams, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee
I'll leave you with a video of the day in honor of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was a hugging machine last night.
The first round of the NFL draft is in the books. The SEC was well represented with seven players selected, the second highest of the night. The Big 12 led all conferences with nine players drafted including five of the first six picks.
Rounds 2 and 3 will be televised live tonight at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN2 and the NFL Network.
Round 1 - SEC Players
5th: Kansas City - Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee
7th: Cleveland - Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida
8th: Oakland - Rolando McClain, Linebacker, Alabama
18th: Pittsburgh - Maurkice Pouncey, Center, Florida
20th: Houston - Kareem Jackson, Cornerback, Alabama
25th: Denver - Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida
26th: Arizona - Dan Williams, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee
I'll leave you with a video of the day in honor of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was a hugging machine last night.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Redding talks about football rule changes
by Barca Blog
Last week, the NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved rule changes for wedge blocking on kickoffs, messages on eye black, and taunting that will go into effect over the next two years.
SEC head of officials Rogers Redding sat down with SECsports.com to discuss the issues.
Click here to read
SEC head of officials Rogers Redding sat down with SECsports.com to discuss the issues.
Click here to read
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is expanding...
As we all expected, but not to 96 teams. Looks as if the tournament will expand to 68 teams beginning next season, and every game of the tournament will be carried live by CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.
A couple of outlets have reported this, but here's a link to CBSSports.com, who has a lot of the new details of the television contract and other things relating to the tournament expansion.
It must be said that the Division I Board of Directors must approve the changes next week, but according to reports, that should not be a problem.
SEC underclassmen in NBA Draft
by Barca Blog
According to FoxSports.com's Jeff Goodman... Here's a list of SEC basketball players that plan to leave school early for the NBA Draft.
Underclassmen must declare for the draft by Sunday. Those players choosing to test the draft waters can return to school if they (a) don't sign with an agent and (b) withdraw their name by May 8.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 24 in New York City.
(Side note: VUcommodores' draft expert intern Travis just told me he thinks this might be the deepest draft ever in terms of early entries. Stay tuned for his in-depth analysis.)
Signing with an Agent (can't return to school)
Eric Bledsoe, 6-1, 190, PG, Fr., Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 260, C, Fr., Kentucky
A.J. Ogilvy, 6-11, 250, C, Jr., Vanderbilt
Patrick Patterson, 6-9, 235, PF, Jr., Kentucky
Eniel Polynice, 6-5, G, Jr., Mississippi
John Wall, 6-4, 195, PG, Fr., Kentucky
Getting Evaluated by NBA (could return to school)
Courtney Fortson, 5-11, G, Soph., Arkansas
Daniel Orton, 6-9, 255, PF, Fr., Kentucky
Alex Tyus, 6-8, 220, F, Jr., Florida
Terrico White, 6-5, 215, G, Soph., Mississippi
Underclassmen must declare for the draft by Sunday. Those players choosing to test the draft waters can return to school if they (a) don't sign with an agent and (b) withdraw their name by May 8.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 24 in New York City.
(Side note: VUcommodores' draft expert intern Travis just told me he thinks this might be the deepest draft ever in terms of early entries. Stay tuned for his in-depth analysis.)
Signing with an Agent (can't return to school)
Eric Bledsoe, 6-1, 190, PG, Fr., Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins, 6-11, 260, C, Fr., Kentucky
A.J. Ogilvy, 6-11, 250, C, Jr., Vanderbilt
Patrick Patterson, 6-9, 235, PF, Jr., Kentucky
Eniel Polynice, 6-5, G, Jr., Mississippi
John Wall, 6-4, 195, PG, Fr., Kentucky
Getting Evaluated by NBA (could return to school)
Courtney Fortson, 5-11, G, Soph., Arkansas
Daniel Orton, 6-9, 255, PF, Fr., Kentucky
Alex Tyus, 6-8, 220, F, Jr., Florida
Terrico White, 6-5, 215, G, Soph., Mississippi
Commodores listed in NFL Mock Draft
by Barca Blog
The 2010 NFL Draft will begin its new three-day format tonight in primetime from New York City.
ESPN.com's Todd McShay predicts that two Commodores will be selected this weekend -- cornerback Myron Lewis (fifth round, Cleveland) and offensive tackle Thomas Welch (sixth round, San Francisco).
SECsports' expert Jamil Northcutt also thinks safety Ryan Hamilton could be a late-round sleeper pick after impressing scouts at his Pro Day workout.
2010 NFL Draft Schedule
Round 1: Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT
ESPN and NFL Network
Rounds 2 and 3: Friday at 5 p.m. CT
ESPN2 and NFL Network
Rounds 4-7: Saturday at 9 a.m. CT
ESPN and NFL Network
You can also follow coverage online at NFL.com and ESPN.com.
ESPN.com's Todd McShay predicts that two Commodores will be selected this weekend -- cornerback Myron Lewis (fifth round, Cleveland) and offensive tackle Thomas Welch (sixth round, San Francisco).
SECsports' expert Jamil Northcutt also thinks safety Ryan Hamilton could be a late-round sleeper pick after impressing scouts at his Pro Day workout.
2010 NFL Draft Schedule
Round 1: Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT
ESPN and NFL Network
Rounds 2 and 3: Friday at 5 p.m. CT
ESPN2 and NFL Network
Rounds 4-7: Saturday at 9 a.m. CT
ESPN and NFL Network
You can also follow coverage online at NFL.com and ESPN.com.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Baseball Starting lineup vs. MTSU
By Travis YoungLive from Reese Smith Jr. Field
Weather: partly cloudy skies, 72 degrees. Wind is slightly blowing in from centerfield, but shouldn't be much of a factor as the stadium is a hitter friendly park.
Here is Vanderbilt's Starting Lineup
Anthony Gomez 2B
Brian Harris SS
Jason Esposito 3B
Curt Casali DH
Aaron Westlake 1B
Andrew Giobbi LF
Connor Harrell CF
Joe Loftus RF
Drew Fann C
Chase Reid SP
Reid (4-1, 1.99 ERA) gets the call tonight for the Commodores. Tonight's appearance marks the 15th appearance and sixth start of the season for Reid. The Southlake, Texas native has had phenomenal season thus far, allowing only nine earned runs in 40.2 innings of work. Reid's 42 strikeouts is tied for second on the team with Taylor Hill. Reid leads the pitching staff in strikeout-to-walk ratio, nearly a 6:1 ratio (41 SO, 7 BB).
MTSU will counter with righthander Hunter Adkins. Adkins comes into the game (1-1, 6.83 ERA). Adkins will make his 11th appearance and fifth start of the season tonight. He has 24 strikeouts and 18 walks in 29.0 innings of work this year.
Greg Allen Golf Channel interview
By A. Boggs
The Golf Channel's Jay Coffin interviewed Vanderbilt women's golf coach Greg Allen about retiring LPGA star Lorena Ochoa, who played for Allen at the University of Arizona.
Click here to read Coffin's article on golfchannel.com.
The Golf Channel's Jay Coffin interviewed Vanderbilt women's golf coach Greg Allen about retiring LPGA star Lorena Ochoa, who played for Allen at the University of Arizona.
Click here to read Coffin's article on golfchannel.com.
Thank you from Myron Lewis
by Barca Blog
With the NFL Draft only one day away, Myron Lewis took time out of his busy schedule to film a thank you message (above) to National Commodore Club supporters, season ticket holders and fans.
Just as impressive as Lewis' ability to shut down opposing receivers is the fact that he earned a degree in Human and Organizational Development in December -- only three and a half years since coming to Vanderbilt.
Lewis plans to follow the draft with family and friends in Florida.
Best of luck in your future endeavors, Myron.
NFL Draft Note: The NFL Draft will extend to three days this year with the first round moving to primetime Thursday in New York City (ESPN, 6:30 p.m CT). The second and third rounds will be held Friday night (ESPN2, 5 p.m. CT) and rounds 4-7 will take place Saturday morning (ESPN, 9 a.m. CT). The NFL Network will also broadcast the event live.
(Thanks to SF for the video)
Photos: 2010 Black and Gold Banquet
by Barca BlogVanderbilt's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held its annual Black and Gold Banquet on campus Monday night.
You could call the event the sports version of the Oscars on West End.
While there wasn't a red carpet in front of the Student Life Center, that didn't stop student-athletes from arriving in their best outfits. They were treated to a catered dinner followed by an awards ceremony and a highlight video.
Overall, it was a nice night for student-athletes to reflect on the year with their peers, especially with exams just around the corner.
Photographer Steve Green was on the scene to capture these photos for your viewing pleasure.
Here's a list of the winners, which were voted on by the SAAC. Feel free to debate the choices.
Jim Robins Award - Catherine Newman (Women's Tennis)
Student-athlete whose life embodies devotion to learning, service to the community and achievement in athletics
Dr. Jerry Reeves Award - Thomas Davis (Cross Country)
Highest cumulative grade point average
Community Service Award - Thomas Davis (Cross Country)
Plays of the Year - Jermaine Beal (Men's Basketball) and Josie Earnest (Bowling)
Comeback Players of the Year - Andre Walker (Men's Basketball) and Hannah Tuomi (Women's Basketball)
Newcomer of the Year - Warren Norman (Football) and Chelsea Stewart (Women's Soccer)
Mr. and Miss Commodore - Scott Lieberman (Men's Tennis) and Josie Earnest (Bowling)
Graduating seniors who best represent their sport
The Tolbert Cup - Men's Cross Country
Team with the best combined community service with academic and athletic achievement
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Baseball Starting lineup vs. Lipscomb
By Travis Young
Weather: Cloudy skies, 65 degrees
Anthony Gomez 2B
Brian Harris SS
Jason Esposito 3B
Curt Casali DH
Aaron Westlake 1B
Andrew Giobbi LF
Connor Harrell CF
Joe Loftus RF
Drew Fann C
Drew Hayes SP
Hayes (4-0, 4.59 ERA) gets the call tonight for the Commodores. Tonight's appearance marks the 14th of the season for Hayes, who has thrown 33.1 innings this year. The McKenzie, Tenn. native has a 2:1 strikeout (28) to walk (14) ratio. In his last start against Middle Tennessee, Hayes threw 6.2 innings of four-hit baseball, striking out four and walking two to pick up the win.
Lipsomb will counter with lefthander Chris Nunn. Nunn (0-1, 18.69 ERA) will make his 10th appearance of the season and sixth start. He has 20 strikeouts in 17.1 innings of work.
Weather: Cloudy skies, 65 degrees
Anthony Gomez 2B
Brian Harris SS
Jason Esposito 3B
Curt Casali DH
Aaron Westlake 1B
Andrew Giobbi LF
Connor Harrell CF
Joe Loftus RF
Drew Fann C
Drew Hayes SP
Hayes (4-0, 4.59 ERA) gets the call tonight for the Commodores. Tonight's appearance marks the 14th of the season for Hayes, who has thrown 33.1 innings this year. The McKenzie, Tenn. native has a 2:1 strikeout (28) to walk (14) ratio. In his last start against Middle Tennessee, Hayes threw 6.2 innings of four-hit baseball, striking out four and walking two to pick up the win.
Lipsomb will counter with lefthander Chris Nunn. Nunn (0-1, 18.69 ERA) will make his 10th appearance of the season and sixth start. He has 20 strikeouts in 17.1 innings of work.
College Baseball 360 honors Taylor Hill
By Travis YoungVanderbilt pitcher Taylor Hill was one of 17 players to be named to college baseball 360's Primetime Peformer Weekly Honor Roll for his stellar outing last weekend.
Hill reeled off arguably his best outing of his collegiate career last week in the Sunday game against Auburn. The Old Hickory, Tenn., native allowed two runs on seven hits with no walks and seven strikeouts in a career-high 8.2 innings of work. Hill earned the no-decision, despite keeping one of the SECs most potent offenses in check. Aaron Westlake's walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth propelled the Commodores to the series win.
Click here to view College Baseball 360's Weekly Awards.
Alex wins Golfweek Player of the Week
By A. Boggs
2010 SEC individual champion Marina Alex was named the Golfweek Women's Collegiate Golfer of the Week for her play this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
Click here to read more from Golfweek.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Greg Allen talks 2010 SEC Women's Championship
By A. Boggs
Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen sat down with me on Monday, a day after the 2010 SEC Women's Championships. Watch the video below to get his take on the team's play and Marina Alex's SEC Championship.
Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen sat down with me on Monday, a day after the 2010 SEC Women's Championships. Watch the video below to get his take on the team's play and Marina Alex's SEC Championship.
Flip It: Marina Alex's winning putt
By A. Boggs
Here's a video of Marina's winning putt on the second playoff hole to capture the 2010 SEC Women's individual golf championship. I've also included a video of Marina in the van on the happy ride home.
Here's a video of Marina's winning putt on the second playoff hole to capture the 2010 SEC Women's individual golf championship. I've also included a video of Marina in the van on the happy ride home.
SEC Baseball weekend wrap up
by Barca Blog
SEC Series Weekend Results
Conference Recaps: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Updated SEC Standings
SEC Series Weekend Results
Conference Recaps: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Vanderbilt over Auburn, 2-1, in Nashville
VU 11-6, AU 12-2, VU 3-2
South Carolina over Ole Miss, 2-1, in Columbia
SC 2-0, SC 9-5, OM 5-4
Florida over Kentucky, 2-1, in Lexington
UF 10-8, UF 6-3, UK 6-5
Arkansas over Georgia, 3-0, in Fayetteville
UA 10-2, UA 10-2, UA 13-5
LSU over Alabama, 3-0, in Baton Rouge
LSU 12-5, LSU 9-7, LSU 5-4 (14)
Mississippi State over Tennessee, 2-1, in Starkville
UT 15-13, MSU 11-7, MSU 14-6
VU 11-6, AU 12-2, VU 3-2
South Carolina over Ole Miss, 2-1, in Columbia
SC 2-0, SC 9-5, OM 5-4
Florida over Kentucky, 2-1, in Lexington
UF 10-8, UF 6-3, UK 6-5
Arkansas over Georgia, 3-0, in Fayetteville
UA 10-2, UA 10-2, UA 13-5
LSU over Alabama, 3-0, in Baton Rouge
LSU 12-5, LSU 9-7, LSU 5-4 (14)
Mississippi State over Tennessee, 2-1, in Starkville
UT 15-13, MSU 11-7, MSU 14-6
Updated SEC Standings
| EAST | CONF. W-L | OVERALL W-L |
| South Carolina | 11-4 | 28-8 |
| Florida | 10-5 | 25-10 |
| Vanderbilt | 8-7 | 29-9 |
| Kentucky | 5-10 | 22-14 |
| Tennessee | 4-11 | 18-19 |
| Georgia | 3-12 | 11-25 |
| WEST | CONF. W-L | OVERALL W-L |
| Arkansas | 12-3 | 31-6 |
| LSU | 11-4 | 30-6 |
| Auburn | 8-7 | 24-13 |
| Ole Miss | 8-7 | 24-13 |
| Alabama | 5-10 | 22-15 |
| Mississippi State | 5-10 | 19-17 |
Week 9 Vanderbilt Baseball Notebook
by SID
Record Overall: 29-9, 8-7 SEC
Record for the Week: 3-1
Last Week
4/13: Vanderbilt 1, Middle Tennessee 0
4/16: Vanderbilt 11, Auburn 6
4/17: Auburn 12, Vanderbilt 2
4/18: Vanderbilt 3, Auburn 2
This Week
4/20: at Lipscomb, 6 p.m. CDT, Nashville
4/21: at Middle Tennessee, 6 p.m. CDT, Murfreesboro
4/23: at Tennessee (CSS), 6 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
4/24: at Tennessee (CSS), 6 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
4/25: at Tennessee, 1 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
Vanderbilt went 3-1 on the week, wrapping up an eight-game home stand with a 5-3 mark … The Commodores claimed the Auburn series with a walk-off homer by Aaron Westlake in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday. The win snapped a two series losing streak in SEC play. The Dores are one win away from reaching 30 wins in a season for the seventh straight season.
The pitching staff sported a 3.50 ERA on the week that included the fourth shutout of the year in the 1-0 win over Middle Tennessee. They had 37 strikeouts and 13 walks in 36.0 innings and now lead the SEC with a 3.06 ERA in 38 games … Drew Hayes threw 6.2 innings of four-hit shutout ball against MTSU with four strikeouts and two walks. Richie Goodenow (0.1) and Russell Brewer (2.0) finished out the game to preserve the shutout.
Sonny Gray snapped a two-game losing streak in Friday’s win over Auburn. He gave up three runs, one earned, on seven hits in 6.1 innings with seven strikeouts and five walks. The Smyrna, Tenn., native is now 2-3 in the SEC with a 1.83 ERA in five starts.
Taylor Hill had his second straight career long performance this weekend going 8.2 innings in Sunday’s win over the Tigers. A week after going 7.2 innings against South Carolina, he went 8.2 innings allowing two runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts no walks.
Chase Reid came on in relief on Saturday and allowed two runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings with eight strikeouts and a walk … Brewer picked up his fifth save of the year in the win over MTSU and now has 17 saves in his career.
The Commodore offense remains in a slump, with a team batting average of .226 with 17 runs scored in the five games (11 in the Friday win, six in the other four games) … Joe Loftus hit .400 (4-for-10) with a homer and two RBI and Anthony Gomez hit .364 (4-for-11) with two RBI to lead VU this week. Loftus now has five homers on the year, besting the four he hit a year ago.
Vanderbilt will open a season-long six game road trip starting this week against Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee. The Friday and Saturday games against Tennessee will be televised regionally on CSS.
Record Overall: 29-9, 8-7 SEC
Record for the Week: 3-1
Last Week
4/13: Vanderbilt 1, Middle Tennessee 0
4/16: Vanderbilt 11, Auburn 6
4/17: Auburn 12, Vanderbilt 2
4/18: Vanderbilt 3, Auburn 2
This Week
4/20: at Lipscomb, 6 p.m. CDT, Nashville
4/21: at Middle Tennessee, 6 p.m. CDT, Murfreesboro
4/23: at Tennessee (CSS), 6 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
4/24: at Tennessee (CSS), 6 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
4/25: at Tennessee, 1 p.m. CDT, Knoxville
Vanderbilt went 3-1 on the week, wrapping up an eight-game home stand with a 5-3 mark … The Commodores claimed the Auburn series with a walk-off homer by Aaron Westlake in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday. The win snapped a two series losing streak in SEC play. The Dores are one win away from reaching 30 wins in a season for the seventh straight season.
The pitching staff sported a 3.50 ERA on the week that included the fourth shutout of the year in the 1-0 win over Middle Tennessee. They had 37 strikeouts and 13 walks in 36.0 innings and now lead the SEC with a 3.06 ERA in 38 games … Drew Hayes threw 6.2 innings of four-hit shutout ball against MTSU with four strikeouts and two walks. Richie Goodenow (0.1) and Russell Brewer (2.0) finished out the game to preserve the shutout.
Sonny Gray snapped a two-game losing streak in Friday’s win over Auburn. He gave up three runs, one earned, on seven hits in 6.1 innings with seven strikeouts and five walks. The Smyrna, Tenn., native is now 2-3 in the SEC with a 1.83 ERA in five starts.
Taylor Hill had his second straight career long performance this weekend going 8.2 innings in Sunday’s win over the Tigers. A week after going 7.2 innings against South Carolina, he went 8.2 innings allowing two runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts no walks.
Chase Reid came on in relief on Saturday and allowed two runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings with eight strikeouts and a walk … Brewer picked up his fifth save of the year in the win over MTSU and now has 17 saves in his career.
The Commodore offense remains in a slump, with a team batting average of .226 with 17 runs scored in the five games (11 in the Friday win, six in the other four games) … Joe Loftus hit .400 (4-for-10) with a homer and two RBI and Anthony Gomez hit .364 (4-for-11) with two RBI to lead VU this week. Loftus now has five homers on the year, besting the four he hit a year ago.
Vanderbilt will open a season-long six game road trip starting this week against Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee. The Friday and Saturday games against Tennessee will be televised regionally on CSS.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday's photos include walk-off celebration
by Barca BlogCheck out Jimmy Jones' photo galleries of Vanderbilt's thrilling 3-2 win over Auburn on Sunday.
Photos Part 1: Game Action
Photos Part 2: Westy's Walk-Off Homer
Video: Corbin, Westy talk walk-off
Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin and sophomore Aaron Westlake answer questions from the media following Vanderbilt's 3-2 win over Auburn at Hawkins Field.
Westlake belted an 0-1 pitch over the right field wall for the walk-off home run to clinch the series against the Tigers.
For a complete game recap, go here.
Alex wins SEC individual title
by Barca BlogCongrats to Vanderbilt sophomore Marina Alex, who just won the SEC Women's Golf Individual Championship on Sunday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Alex becomes only the second Commodore in school history to achieve that feat (May Wood, 2004).
Here's what happened... Alex and Tennessee's Erica Popson were tied atop the leaderboard after 18 holes, so it went to a playoff. Alex claimed the title on hole 2 after she made par while Popson bogeyed.
As a team, the Commodores finished second, four shots behind host Alabama.
Check back for a complete recap later today on VUcommodores.com.
Women's Golf on back nine in SEC final round
by A. BoggsJunior Megan Grehan's about to tee off on dangerous par 3 17th at the SEC Championships in Tuscaloosa. She is the first Commodore to reach the hole in the final round.
Vanderbilt and Alabama are in a heated battle for the tournament crown on the back nine. I have to mention freshman Anna Leigh Keith, who holed out for eagle on 15. Also, sophomore Marina Alex is in a three-way tie for the individual title at four-under par.
You can continue to follow live scoring here.
(Update: The 16th hole has been a costly one for the 'Dores. Lauren Stratton made a 7, and Brooke Goodwin made a 6. Marina parred the 16th, and has a great look for birdie on 17. Hopefully the team can forget about it and have a strong finish.)
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