Tue Feb 18 19:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Vanderbilt Commodores Edge Air Force in Home Opener

**NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb 18, 2025)** – The Vanderbilt Commodores opened their home season with a 3-1 victory over the Air Force Falcons at Hawkins Field Monday. Strong pitching and timely hitting propelled the Commodores to their third win of the season.

A stellar pitching performance dominated the early innings. Freshman Austin Nye made an impressive collegiate debut, striking out five batters in three scoreless innings. He was followed by Connor Fennell (transfer from Dayton), who earned his first Vanderbilt win with 2.1 scoreless innings and another five strikeouts. Luke Guth and Alex Kranzler also contributed strong relief appearances, with Kranzler securing his first career save.

The Commodores offense broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning on a balk. Colin Barczi extended the lead with his first career triple in the seventh, scoring Riley Nelson. JD Rogers then provided the decisive blow in the eighth, launching a 406-foot home run – his first of the season – to put Vanderbilt up 3-0.

Air Force managed to avoid being shut out, scoring an unearned run in the ninth inning thanks to a Vanderbilt error.

The two teams will face off again Tuesday at 1 p.m. CT at Hawkins Field, with the game streaming on SEC Network+.

Read More