Some thoughts on today's game...

For those of you who didn't follow Vanderbilt's 3-2 win over Mississippi State to stay alive in the SEC Tournament, you missed a classic. David Price threw a gem, had a no-hitter/perfect game going through 6 complete, struck out 11, and got his 11th win and 5th complete game of the season. I was a little surprised Corbin sent Price out to finish the 9th since he got roughed up in the 7th by the same part of the line-up he was going up against in the 9th (the top of the order). When LF Joseph McCaskill tagged his second double of the game to put the tying run in scoring position with one out, I got nervous; CTC did not...and that's why they pay him the big bucks.

What this means is that his All-SEC First Team closer Casey Weathers will be fresh going into the weekend. As Mo Patton pointed out in his Vanderbilt sports blog on Tennessean.com during the game, Vanderbilt took advantage of the scoring opportunities they were given by putting 3 runs on the board in the 3rd. After that however, only 2 Commodores reached second the rest of the day. Offensively, the bats have not been particularly potent thus far. Granted, they've had to deal with 2 great games from opposing pitchers. Still, if you are the #1 in America, you find a way to get more than 9 hits in 2 games.

Play of the game was definitely David Macias gunning down the tying run at home to preserve the 3-2 lead in the 7th. Great play from Macias, a play without which, the Commies night be heading north on I-65 right now.

Vanderbilt will face the loser of Ole Miss/UT tomorrow around 7:30 EST (details to follow about a VSL viewing in the DC area), both teams that have beaten Vanderbilt this season. As Hait points out in the Nashville City Paper, Vanderbilt is only 2-5 against UT in the SEC Tournament, and 2-1 against Ole Miss this season (Ole Miss is 1 of 2 teams to beat Vanderbilt at Hawkins Field). Freshman Matt Minor will take the hill tomorrow with a well-rested bullpen thanks to Price's complete game.

Let us know what you think about Vanderbilt's prospects going into the weekend. For a full recap of today's game, be sure to keep checking Vanderbilt Sports Line, and read the Hotline tomorrow.

Also, for the lighter side of life, check out my "deep" friends shallow thoughts.