Vanderbilt shook off some early adversity, and have battled back to tie its opener in the College World Series against Arizona.

Jayson Gonzalez launched a two-run home run to right-center field, which scored Javier Vaz in the fourth inning. Vanderbilt pitcher Kumar Rocker, who allowed three runs in the first inning, bounced back by getting a better grasp on his slider and overall control. After Gonzalez’ blast, Rocker sat down the next three batters in order. At one point, Rocker retired 10 in a row, seven by strikeout. Through four innings, he threw 74 pitches (49 strikes).

However, Arizona got to him again in the sixth inning with two outs when Ryan Holgate launched a two-run home run after Rocker hit a batter. The hit batter appeared to knock Rocker off his rhythm after he’d used the windup for much of the game.

Rocker’s final line was 5 2/3 innings pitched, five runs allowed, three earned, with seven strikeouts.

Vanderbilt was again hurt by poor fielding as the Commodores committed two errors in the sixth as Arizona put runners at second and third with two outs.