Vanderbilt’s bats came alive in a big way on Saturday at the Shriners Children’s College Classic, and Texas Tech felt every bit of it. Behind a power surge from Brodie Johnston, Braden Holcomb, and Ryker Waite, the Commodores rolled to a dominant win at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, evening their early-season record at 1-1.
Let’s start with the fireworks. Johnston, the third baseman, launched two solo shots-measuring 405 and 418 feet-marking his second straight game with a home run after going deep against TCU the day before.
Holcomb, the center fielder, wasn’t far behind in the slugfest. He homered as part of a monster five-RBI day, including a two-run double during an eight-run fourth inning that completely flipped the game on its head.
Waite, the freshman shortstop, got in on the action too, belting his first career homer-a 399-foot blast-and driving in three.
It was a full-team offensive effort from the Commodores, who out-hit the Red Raiders 12-6 and tagged Texas Tech starter Lukas Pirko for seven runs. Every Vanderbilt starter recorded at least one hit, except for DH Tommy Goodin and first baseman Max Jensen. But even they found ways to contribute-Goodin scored two runs and Jensen walked three times and crossed the plate once.
The game ended after eight innings due to the 10-run rule, with Vanderbilt comfortably in control.
It didn’t start that way, though. Vanderbilt actually trailed 1-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth.
But that’s when the dam broke. The Commodores erupted for eight runs in the inning, with Holcomb’s home run and two-run double acting as the exclamation points.
From there, the outcome was never in doubt.
On the mound, Brennan Seiber picked up the win after working two innings and allowing one run. Starter Austin Nye went four innings and didn’t give up an earned run-though he was charged with one after committing two errors in the first inning.
Freshman right-handers Tyler Baird and Wyatt Nadeau also made their collegiate debuts. Baird gave up a run in his inning of work, while Nadeau tossed a clean eighth to close things out.
Another freshman, outfielder Collin Brightwell, made his debut as a pinch-runner late in the game.
The only lineup change from Friday’s game was at designated hitter, where lefty Tommy Goodin replaced right-hander Mack Whitcomb. One name still missing from the box score? Mike Mancini, who’s expected to compete for a starting job at either second base or a corner outfield spot, has yet to make his season debut.
Next up for Vanderbilt: a Sunday morning showdown against Oklahoma State, which is coming off a tough 12-2 loss to Arkansas. Georgia transfer Nate Taylor is slated to make his Commodore debut on the mound.
Early season or not, this kind of offensive performance sends a message. With the long ball working and young arms getting valuable reps, Vanderbilt is starting to look like a team ready to make noise.