Vanderbilt baseball pounds New Mexico State 21-1 in NCAA Tournament elimination game
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Vanderbilt baseball paid no mind to the fact that it was cold and rainy, that balls hadn't been carrying and that there was a 25-minute rain delay before the start of the game.
The Commodores blasted four home runs — one each from Spencer Jones, Tate Kolwyck, Jack Bulger and Dominic Keegan — in a Corvallis Regional elimination game, tying the team's season-high for single-game home runs.
The Commodores (37-22) pounded New Mexico State, 21-1, on Saturday to advance to Sunday's regional semifinal against the loser of Oregon State/San Diego, scoring their most runs in a game this season. The winner of that game advances to the regional final beginning Sunday night.
Spencer Jones leads offense
Just as he has so many times this year, right fielder Spencer Jones came through in big situations. Jones first broke the game open for Vanderbilt with a three-run homer in the third inning and later added a two-run single and a double. His seven RBIs were the most by any Vanderbilt player in a game this season as he finished 4-for-6 with two doubles and a home run.
The Commodores' offense scored in all but two innings. Kolwyck was 3-for-3 and center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. was 3-for-4. Keegan had four RBIs, third baseman Parker Noland had three and three others finished with two.
Chris McElvain back on track
The Commodores hadn't won a game started by Chris McElvain since a combined no-hitter against Kentucky in April. But against the Aggies, McElvain was excellent, allowing one run in seven innings with one walk and 11 strikeouts. He allowed six hits, all singles.
After Vanderbilt used just two pitchers in a Friday loss to San Diego, the Commodores continued to save their bullpen, needing to win three more games in a row to advance.
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Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt baseball beats NMSU in NCAA Tournament elimination game
