Preview: Belmont Bruins at Vanderbilt Commodores

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Vanderbilt Commodores, fresh off a wild series win over rival Tennessee, will host the Belmont Bruins in a nonconference matchup Tuesday at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a temperature near 73 degrees.

Vanderbilt (17-12) enters with momentum after a dramatic 16-15 victory over the Volunteers on Sunday, capping a series win. The Commodores’ offense has shown potency, averaging over eight runs per game in their last three contests.

A key contributor off the bench has been Tommy Goodin. His pinch-hit, grand slam was a pivotal moment in Sunday’s win, part of a recent stretch where he has three home runs and seven RBIs in limited at-bats over his last six games.

Belmont (10-18) looks to bounce back after dropping two of three at home to Illinois-Chicago, including a 9-7 loss on Sunday. The Bruins have lost eight of their last 10 games.

First baseman Jake Maddox provides a power threat for Belmont. He has two home runs and six RBIs in his last five games, including a three-run homer in Sunday’s defeat. However, consistency has been an issue, as he has been held hitless in five of his last 10 starts.

On the mound, both teams are expected to use multiple pitchers in a bullpen game ahead of weekend conference series.

The Commodores hold a distinct advantage in the season series, having won 22 of the last 23 meetings against their crosstown foe. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Vanderbilt is projected to win 5-3.

Vanderbilt begins a crucial Southeastern Conference road series at Texas A&M on Thursday. Belmont opens Ohio Valley Conference play at Murray State on Thursday.