VANDERBILT
With Vanderbilt’s season on the line, Commodores P Kumar Rocker delivered in a historic way. Rocker tossed the first no-hitter in the history of the NCAA Tournament’s Super Regionals on Saturday night, keeping VU from being eliminated by Duke in the Nashville Super Regional. The Commodores won Game 2 3-0, evening the series up 1-1.
Rocker didn’t require too much help from the Vanderbilt fielders behind him as he recorded an incredible 19 strikeouts (more Ks than any no-no in the majors). Rocker’s no-hitter is the first in VU history since a 1971 season for the ages.
Vanderbilt’s first run (which would turn out to be the winning run) came in the fifth inning via an RBI single from C Philip Clarke. It stayed a one-run game until the eighth inning when the Commodores added two insurance runs. Pat DeMarco got the eighth-inning offense started with a triple while Stephen Scott (sac fly) and Julian Infante (bunt single) would record RBIs.
The Dores are certainly happy to live to fight another day. And if they’re able to get 10 hits on Duke pitching Sunday, they may be able to score more than three runs. Sunday’s rubber match will decide which team goes to Omaha. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on ESPN2.
.@_KumarRocker struck out 19 batters in his no-hitter vs. Duke.
There have been 300 no-hitters thrown in MLB history, and the most strikeouts in any of those was 17 😳 pic.twitter.com/ocS2S0o1pP
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) June 9, 2019
Kumar Rocker….19th K and a No Hitter. 😱 pic.twitter.com/6Cqcb39mkC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 9, 2019
Best pitching performance not only in Vandy history, but probably in SEC history given the situation Vandy was in facing elimination. I don’t think anyone in the SEC has pitched a no hitter while facing elimination in the NCAA tournament. The breaking ball was his favorite pitch to get the 3rd strike every time and the Duke batters went for it. As a freshman to do that, was remarkable. Hopefully they can punch their ticket today to Omaha.
That was amazing. This guy just completely shut down the team that scored 18 runs against them the previous game. Just wow!!!
Incredible to watch! His total command of all pitches, especially that wicked breaking ball, was amazing!!! But what was more astounding was his post game interview.
In the days of the “ME” generation, he was genuinely humble, appreciative and team first. He represents his family and Vandy well!!! Congratulations!
Think dad, Tracy, raised him right. Great job. Pulling for ya vandy. Gitrdun!
I like how he used the Kawhi Leonard level of excitement afterwards. This is just another game on the way to the end goal.
Well Done.