Sun Apr 06 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Vanderbilt Shutouts Florida in SEC Opener
**GAINESVILLE, FL** – Vanderbilt baseball dominated Florida in the opening game of their weekend series, securing a 6-0 shutout victory at Condron Ballpark Friday night. A combined pitching effort from JD Thompson, Miller Green, and Sawyer Hawks stifled the Gators’ offense. Hawks earned his third save of the season with a strong four-inning performance, striking out six batters.
The Commodores’ offense broke the scoreless tie in the third inning with an RBI triple by RJ Austin, scoring Mike Mancini from first. More two-out magic in the fifth saw Austin deliver another RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Riley Nelson, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to 3-0.
Vanderbilt added three more runs in the eighth inning, capitalizing on Florida bullpen miscues. Nelson’s performance was particularly impressive, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two walks. The shutout marked Vanderbilt’s first against an SEC opponent since 2023 and their fifth of the season, the most in the SEC and placing them among the top eight in Division I. This victory also marks Vanderbilt’s sixth shutout against Florida since 2014 and their first in Gainesville since 2016.
The two teams continue their series Saturday at noon CT.
First Piper 