At the SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, the VandyBoys won their fifth conference title in dominant fashion. Vanderbilt allowed just three runs in three games — defeating Oklahoma 6-1, routing its rival Tennessee 10-0 for a mercy-rule win and ultimately topping Ole Miss 3-2 in the championship game. Riding an eight-game win streak, the Commodores were awarded the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, marking their 19th straight postseason appearance.
Much of Vanderbilt’s success can be attributed to consistent and clutch play throughout the season, and the numbers back it up.
The pitching
This season, the Commodores’ pitching has been brilliant. Their team ERA of 3.76 is the eighth-best in Division I, and they have consistently kept opponents off the scoreboard.
Leading these efforts is ace JD Thompson, whose command and downright disgusting fastball have helped him record 82 strikeouts in the regular season — third-most in the SEC. The southpaw has showcased his dominance multiple times this season, including a career-high 14-strikeout performance against Georgia. He also had one of the best outings of his career in the SEC quarterfinal game against Oklahoma, as he struck out 11 batters over five innings and surrendered just two hits on his way to a postseason win.
The emergence of Connor Fennell has also been a revelation for Vanderbilt this season. The New Hampshire native has taken on a starting role, and while he does not have the highest velocity, he keeps opposing hitters off balance — like when he fanned 12 Ole Miss hitters on April 27.
Vanderbilt’s starting pitching success has been one of the main reasons that it has performed so well in the early innings. Having starters turn in extended outings will be key to the team’s success in the postseason.
At times, however, the Commodore bullpen has faced scrutiny for blown leads and general poor performance. In particular, the middle relief has struggled, as Vanderbilt’s opponents tend to score the most in innings four to six.
The late-game bullpen has been fantastic as of late, though. Luke Guth and Sawyer Hawks have held opponents hitless over significant stretches, and both relievers pitched multiple scoreless innings when called upon in Hoover.
Vanderbilt’s pitching talent has led the nation in strikeouts per nine innings this season. Behind the mound, they are backed by a top-five fielding percentage in Division I, an indication that Vanderbilt is one of the best defensive squads in college baseball this year. With consistent shutdown pitching, the VandyBoys will be a nightmare matchup for even the best offenses later this postseason.
The offense
In addition to stellar pitching and defense, Vanderbilt’s offense has proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with. Its ability to deliver big hits in high-pressure situations was a key to the team’s success in SEC play and earned the squad the nickname “Cardiac Commodores.”
There have been a plethora of Commodores with hot bats as of late. Sophomore Braden Holcomb has made a huge impact, hitting .289 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs on the year. Jacob Humphrey has also had some shining moments, like his solo home run in the fifth inning of the SEC Championship. Jonathan Vastine, Mike Mancini and Colin Barczi have all also been valuable offensive contributors at points this season.
The ability for different players to step up during important at-bats has been crucial for the VandyBoys this year, and head coach Tim Corbin will need to keep finding the right bats for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
The starpower
While Vanderbilt’s depth is impressive, its offensive identity lies in a trio of stars: Riley Nelson, RJ Austin and Brodie Johnston. Each of them brings a unique skill set that contributes to the team’s firepower.
Nelson has proven himself as one of the best hitters in the SEC and has maintained an absurd .360 batting average this season. One of the most underrated players in the conference, he leads the Commodores in most offensive categories, including runs, RBIs and hits. His .543 slugging percentage demonstrates how the Texas native can hit for power as well. When his walkup song “Esta Caliente” comes on, opposing pitchers take notice and Vanderbilt fans get excited.
Austin, the starting center fielder, boasts an incredible ability to get on base, with 58 hits on the year. More than that, he is one of the best base-runners in college baseball, leading the SEC with 22 stolen bases. He is incredibly clutch with runners in scoring position, too, showcased by his three-RBI performance against Oklahoma in Hoover.
Johnston, a true freshman, has burst onto the scene as one of the most impactful players in the lineup. He has hit a team-leading 12 home runs, driving in 51 RBIs in the process. His power from the right side has been a game-changer for the Commodores, and his home run in the SEC Championship game was good enough to win him the Tournament MVP.
Nelson’s consistency, Austin’s speed and Johnston’s power form the formidable core of Vanderbilt’s offensive identity.
Vanderbilt’s strength on both sides of the field is what makes it one of the top teams in the nation. Backed by the stats, it’s clear why the VandyBoys are one of the favorites to win it all.
Vanderbilt will begin its quest for a third National Championship on Friday, May 30, against Wright State at 5 p.m. CDT at Hawkins Field.
