Vanderbilt Set to Host North Dakota State in Weekend Opener

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt Commodores look to build on a midweek victory when they host the struggling North Dakota State Bison in a three-game series opener Friday at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature near 75 degrees.

Vanderbilt (8-6) enters after a 4-1 win over Troy on Wednesday. Connor Hamilton provided four scoreless innings of relief in that victory, allowing just one hit. The right-hander has been a bright spot out of the bullpen, posting 7.0 innings with one earned run and seven strikeouts over his last three appearances.

North Dakota State (1-11) seeks to halt an eight-game skid. The Bison fell 9-4 at Southern Illinois on Tuesday, though reliever Anthony Pardo turned in two perfect innings with two strikeouts. Pardo has not allowed a hit in his last three outings.

The Commodores’ offense will try to rebound after being held to four runs in each of their last two games. First baseman Chris Maldonado homered in the win over Troy.

Vanderbilt’s schedule intensifies next week with a visit from LSU to open Southeastern Conference play. North Dakota State continues a lengthy road swing before its Summit League opener.

According to Interstat, the projection for Friday’s game favors Vanderbilt, 6-1.