Vanderbilt baseball had a rocky start against LSU, dropping the first game in Baton Rouge. This extended their road losing streak to seven games, but they turned it around, winning the next two and taking the series. The Commodores (25-7, 8-4 SEC) fought hard, losing 10-6 in the opener but bouncing back with an 8-6 win on Friday and a dominant 13-3 victory in eight innings on Saturday, invoking the run rule at Alex Box Stadium.
The Tigers (21-12, 3-9) initially took a commanding 9-0 lead in the first game, but Vanderbilt steadily narrowed the gap, making the final score more respectable. Friday's game was a tight contest, with neither team leading by more than two runs, but Vanderbilt clinched the win thanks to Jayden Davis' crucial two-run home run in the eighth inning. On Saturday, the Commodores took control early and never looked back, securing the series win.
Freshmen Braden Holcomb and Camden Kozeal were instrumental, contributing seven hits and seven RBIs between them over the series. Holcomb had a standout performance in the finale, hitting two home runs and a single, driving in five runs. This marked his first multi-homer game of the season, a significant achievement after coming into the series with just one hit in his last 19 at-bats.
Holcomb's breakout series was highlighted by a mammoth 466-foot home run, showcasing his power despite a batting average of just .192. Left-handers Ethan McElvain and Miller Green also shone, combining for 5⅓ scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. McElvain's standout moment came in Friday's game when he pitched 3⅓ shutout innings, including a key double play to escape a tight spot.
Holton, originally Vanderbilt's Friday night starter, delivered a solid performance in the series, pitching six innings in the final game, allowing three runs (two earned) with 10 strikeouts. His streak of 43 consecutive innings without allowing a home run came to an end during this series, the longest such streak by an SEC pitcher in 2024.
The rest of the rotation had mixed results, with Greysen Carter and Bryce Cunningham struggling in their starts. However, the bullpen showed improvement, conceding only two runs, one earned, across 11 innings of work.
Jayden Davis broke out of a hitting slump, tallying seven hits, including three doubles and a home run, along with eight RBIs. RJ Austin, although hitless in the first game, contributed three hits, a walk, and three RBIs in the final two games, also stealing a base.
Overall, Vanderbilt's series win over LSU was a testament to their resilience and depth, showcasing the talent of their young players and the improved performance of their pitching staff.
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