North Dakota State defeated Vanderbilt 5-2 on Sunday in Nashville, securing a win in the final game of their series and preventing a sweep by the Commodores.
Vanderbilt’s only runs came from Mike Mancini, who hit a two-run home run to center field in the bottom of the fifth inning. This was Mancini’s third home run of the season and the 24th of his college career.
North Dakota State took an early lead in the first inning with a walk, a single, and an RBI single. The Bison extended their advantage in the fourth using bunts to set up an RBI groundout for their second run. In the fifth inning, North Dakota State loaded the bases but managed just one more run after Vanderbilt reliever Jakob Schulz limited further damage.
After Mancini’s home run brought Vanderbilt within one run, North Dakota State responded in the seventh inning by capitalizing on a hit-by-pitch and a walk, followed by two RBI singles to push their lead back to three runs.
In the ninth inning, Vanderbilt put runners on second and third with two outs, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, a fly ball to left field ended their rally as North Dakota State held on for the victory.
Zak Szabo earned the win for North Dakota State with 4.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing only three hits.
Vanderbilt will return home Tuesday for a game against Indiana State before beginning SEC play against LSU next weekend at Hawkins Field.
