How Vanderbilt baseball won series opener vs. Missouri without Carter Holton after wild ending
Vanderbilt baseball won its 13th straight game and improved on its program record conference start after a relay throw threw the potential tying run out at third Thursday.
The Commodores (25-5, 10-0 SEC) were forced to open the series against Missouri (19-10, 3-7) without ace Carter Holton, who was scratched from his planned start due to soreness. Bryce Cunningham started instead and went 4⅔ innings, allowing two runs.
Vanderbilt's pitching walked seven batters and struck out just five, but got enough offense to secure a 7-6 win. Every hitter who appeared got on base at least once except Jack Bulger. Chris Maldonado led the offense at 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Nick Maldonado came in the game in the eighth inning for the save after Missouri had come within one run off Thomas Schultz. The Tigers' Dylan Leach rocketed a double with two outs in the ninth inning, but a perfect relay throw from center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. to shortstop Jonathan Vastine to third baseman Davis Diaz got Leach out at third to end the game.
The Commodores play the second game of the series Friday at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+ with Hunter Owen scheduled to pitch. Vanderbilt is looking to even Tennessee's record 12-0 start from 2022.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How Vanderbilt baseball beat Missouri without Carter Holton
