McGoogs

Some more VandyBoys notes from Sunday’s exhibitions against Northwestern, courtesy of my friend @TreyDores, who was there tracking the action! Trey was kind enough to share his observations and unofficial stats, and Vanderbilt has since released its official recap. Here’s a more detailed look at how the Dores performed. Unlike last week’s exhibitions, which were nine innings, Sunday’s games against Northwestern were two seven-inning contests. Vanderbilt finished the day with 18 hits, 13 runs and FIVE home runs across the two exhibitions! Offensively, there was a lot to like: Tommy Goodin continues to have an incredible fall. He went 2-for-3 with TWO home runs, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Trey also recorded 2 walks, including an intentional walk. He’s been one of the most consistent offensive performers throughout the fall. James Tronstein continues to impress as well, collecting 3 hits across the exhibitions according to Trey’s notes. Vanderbilt officially credited him with a 2-for-3 performance in Game 2, including a double, a walk and 3 runs scored. Another strong showing from a guy who continues to find ways to get on base and make things happen offensively. Aukai Kea had a big day, officially going 2-for-4 with a home run, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. He’s another name worth keeping an eye on. Matt Conte and Noah Wilson both went deep as well, each finishing 1-for-4 with a home run. Conte also reportedly threw out both runners who attempted to steal against him, which is particularly encouraging. RJ Cope picked up a hit in his lone at-bat and drove in 2 runs. Niko Brini and Bud Coombs each recorded a hit according to Trey’s notes. Rustan Rigdon went hitless, but Trey noted that he continued to make hard contact, hitting balls directly at defenders. Sometimes the results don’t reflect the quality of the at-bats. Blaize Ward drew two walks, continuing to find ways to reach base even without recording a hit. Ryker Waite recorded a hit but did not play defensively. Collin Brightwell and Korbin Reynolds each drew a walk. Jackson Melconian also recorded a double, while Hunter Ray and Mack Whitcomb saw action at the plate. On the mound: Vanderbilt’s pitching staff combined for 17 strikeouts across the two exhibitions. Tyler Baird had one of the more encouraging outings, striking out 4 batters across 2 scoreless, hitless innings. Really promising stuff from him. Gavin Lauridsen worked 2 innings with 2 strikeouts, allowing 2 hits and 1 run without issuing a walk. Trey noted that the run came on a ball that went off a defender’s glove and probably should have been caught. Aiden Stillman delivered a strong outing according to Vanderbilt’s official recap, tossing a scoreless, hitless inning with 2 strikeouts and no walks. Another encouraging performance from him after showing some impressive velocity earlier this fall. Dominic Monaco worked 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits while striking out 3 batters. Trey did note some command issues during his appearance. Hudson Alpert also looked sharp, tossing 2 innings without allowing a hit or earned run while recording a strikeout. Nate Taylor also made a brief appearance, coming in for a one-batter situation. He needed just ONE pitch to get the batter to foul out. Efficient work from Taylor! Brinham and Joseph Contreras also saw action on the mound. Both had difficult outings according to Trey’s notes, with command being a particular issue. Contreras struggled to get out of his inning despite being given an opportunity to work through it. Jameson Napper also made an appearance, with Trey describing his outing as okay.