Vandy Wins Region Opener 12-2 over Eastern Illinois, Will Face Oregon Tomorrow
The Vanderbilt Commodores took care of business Friday night in front of a packed house at Hawkins Field, as they blew past the Eastern Illinois Panthers 12-2 to win their opening game in their NCCA Regional. The Commodores got a strong outing from starting pitcher Devin Futrell, who went five complete innings, giving up only one earned run on seven hits, while striking out seven batters. The Vandy’s offense also did its part with a big six-run third inning to put them up 8-1 after three innings. In the bottom of the third, Enrique Barfield, Jr. led off the frame with a double, followed by a two-run bomb by Davis Diaz. Parker Noland walked and Chris Maldonado got hit by a pitch that ended the day for EIU’s starting pitcher, Ky Hampton. EIU’s next pitcher, Jonothon Hanscomb walked the 1st two batters he faced allowing a run, then Alan Espinal hit the biggest blow of the game, a three-run bases learning double to put Vandy up 8-1.
Vanderbilt would tack on two more runs in the seventh and eighth for the 12-2 final.
Thomas Shultz threw four shutout innings in relief for the Commodores.
In the first game of the day, former Ensworth standout, Garrett Shultz had a big day with 3 RBI and a stolen base for Xavier, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to Oregon 5-4.
Garrett Shultz
Saturday, Xavier will play Eastern Illinois in an elimination game at 2:00, and Vanderbilt will face Oregon at 8:00.
