NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt Commodores erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning, erasing an early deficit and powering their way to a 14-6 victory over the Indiana State Sycamores in nonconference baseball Tuesday evening at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

The game’s decisive turn came in the bottom of the fifth, completely flipping the script after Indiana State had built a 6-2 lead in the top half of the inning. Vanderbilt sent 13 batters to the plate, capitalizing on two Sycamores errors to score eight runs, only three of which were earned, and seize a commanding 10-6 advantage.

The inning featured a two-run single by RJ Brightwell that ultimately cleared the bases due to a fielding error in center field. Mike Mancini, who drove in three runs, also contributed a key RBI in the frame, reaching on an error that allowed a run to score.

Mancini, Vanderbilt’s top star, finished 2 for 3 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and two runs scored. His solo homer to left center in the fourth inning began the Commodores’ comeback. Braden Holcomb added a home run and two RBIs, while Mack Whitcomb drove in three runs.

The offensive outburst made a winner of reliever Tristan Bristow, who entered with the bases loaded in the chaotic top of the fifth and recorded the final out before tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Vanderbilt’s bullpen, which also included scoreless outings from Jacob Faulkner and Nate Schlote, combined for 4 2/3 innings of one-hit, shutout relief with seven strikeouts.

The game began as a pitcher’s duel. Indiana State starter Spencer Johnsen held Vanderbilt hitless for 3 1/3 innings before Mancini’s homer. The Sycamores, however, broke through against Vanderbilt starter Alex Kranzler and reliever Logan Hamilton in the fifth, sending 11 men to the plate and scoring four runs on five hits. Caden Miller’s two-run double down the left field line highlighted the inning, part of his 2-for-3, two-RBI day.

Indiana State’s early 6-2 lead proved short-lived. Following the Commodores’ eight-run fifth, they added single runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh to pull away. Jacob Spencer provided a bright spot for the Sycamores’ staff with 1 2/3 hitless innings of relief.

Vanderbilt improved to 11-7 overall, while Indiana State fell to 7-9. The Commodores out-hit the Sycamores 14-6.

Vanderbilt next opens a three-game Southeastern Conference series at home against LSU on Friday. Indiana State returns home to begin a three-game set with Gonzaga, also on Friday.