NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A dominant pitching performance by Connor Fennell and a relentless offensive barrage powered the Vanderbilt Commodores to a 14-2 victory over the North Dakota State Bison in nonconference baseball action Friday at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

The most important part of the game was the bottom of the third inning, where Vanderbilt broke open a tight contest with a sudden and overwhelming display of power. Leading just 4-2, the Commodores erupted for five runs, turning a competitive game into a rout. The frame featured back-to-back-to-back home runs, a sequence that demoralized the Bison and set the tone for the remainder of the evening. Rustan Rigdon led off with a solo shot, Logan Johnstone immediately followed with another, and after an out, Braden Holcomb launched a two-run blast. Max Jensen then capped the staggering power display with a solo homer, the team’s fourth of the inning, to stake Vanderbilt to a commanding 7-2 lead from which North Dakota State would not recover.

Fennell, Vanderbilt’s starting pitcher, was the catalyst for the win. He delivered six strong innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out 11 batters. His outing provided stability and stifled any potential Bison rally after Vanderbilt’s offense had seized control. He improved his record following a loss to UC Irvine last week where he allowed three earned runs over five innings.

North Dakota State struck first, plating both of its runs in the top of the fourth inning. Trailing 7-0, the Bison strung together four consecutive hits off Fennell, with RBI singles from Law and Trujillo cutting the deficit to five. That was the high point for the Bison, however, as Fennell escaped further damage and Vanderbilt’s offense immediately answered.

The Commodores responded with four more runs in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a three-run homer from Chris Maldonado. The offensive onslaught continued in the seventh when pinch-hitter Aukai Kea launched a three-run home run to provide the final margin.

Vanderbilt’s offense was a model of efficiency, scoring its 14 runs on 13 hits, eight of which went for extra bases, including seven home runs. In addition to the homers from Rigdon, Johnstone, Holcomb, Jensen, Maldonado and Kea, Brodie Johnston hit a two-run homer in the first inning to erase an early deficit. Holcomb also added a sacrifice fly, giving him three RBIs. Mike Mancini contributed two hits and scored three runs.

Nate Schlote closed out the game for Vanderbilt with a perfect inning of relief, striking out one.

North Dakota State managed seven hits but struck out 15 times as a team. The Bison fell to 1-12 this season, continuing a difficult start that has seen them lose 11 of their last 12 games. Vanderbilt improved to 9-6, finding its offensive rhythm ahead of a pivotal Southeastern Conference series next weekend against LSU.

The teams are scheduled to continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon.