AP Sports Preview

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Texas Longhorns (30-8) open a critical Southeastern Conference series against the Vanderbilt Commodores (25-17) on Friday night at 7 p.m. EDT at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

The forecast calls for 80-degree temperatures and cloudy skies.

Texas sends right-hander Luke Harrison (5-1, 3.20 ERA) to the mound. The junior is coming off a dominant no-decision in a 2-1 loss to Alabama on April 19, allowing two earned runs over 7.0 innings with 10 strikeouts. However, Harrison struggled in his previous outing April 11 at Texas A&M, surrendering eight earned runs in just 0.2 innings. Before that, he tossed 5.2 innings of two-run ball in a win at South Carolina.

Vanderbilt counters with first baseman Tommy Goodin, who is riding a hot bat. The sophomore went 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs in an 11-1 win over Xavier on Tuesday. Goodin has been inconsistent, however, with multiple hitless games in SEC play, including an 0-for-2 performance at Kentucky on April 19.

Texas dropped its last game 2-1 to Alabama on April 19. Texas relievers Brett Crossland and Ethan Walker each tossed a scoreless inning in that loss.

Vanderbilt enters on a three-game winning streak, including a series win at Kentucky. The Commodores took the opener of that series 8-7 on April 18 before dropping a 5-2 decision the following day.

Vanderbilt’s other recent results include a 15-1 win at Lipscomb on April 14 and a home series loss to Oklahoma from April 9-11.

Statistical projection: Interstat’s game simulator favors Vanderbilt 7-6.

Up next: The series continues Saturday and Sunday. Texas then hosts Sam Houston on April 28, while Vanderbilt hosts Middle Tennessee on the same date.