dailyloe.com – Vanderbilt baseball clinched its series against No. 21 Tennessee with a dramatic 6-5 victory in 16 innings on March 28, 2026. The win at Nashville’s Hawkins Field was sealed by a walk-off bunt from Mack Whitcomb. This marathon game set a new series record for the longest contest between these SEC rivals.
The Commodores had to grind out the win after surrendering a five-run lead earlier in the game. Vanderbilt built that lead with a five-run fifth inning featuring two-run homers from Mike Mancini and Ryker Waite. Tennessee responded immediately with a five-run sixth, highlighted by Henry Ford’s game-tying three-run homer.
The game extended deep into extra innings after both teams failed to score in the ninth. Vanderbilt starter Wyatt Nadeau pitched six innings, allowing five earned runs. He struck out seven batters and walked only one.
This thriller followed another walk-off win for Vanderbilt in the series opener. The Commodores won Game 1 by a 3-2 score in 10 innings. Their pitchers combined to allow just five hits in that contest.
The series finale is scheduled for March 29 at Hawkins Field. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. Central Time. The win improves Vanderbilt’s record to 15-12 overall and 3-4 in SEC play.[]
Source: The Tennessean
