No. 2 Vanderbilt rode a stellar performance from ace Kevin Ziomek to defeat Auburn 5-2, as both teams opened SEC play Friday, March 15 at Plainsman Park.
Ziomek (5-0) went 8 1/3 innings and gave up one run on three hits. He retired 16 straight batters before issuing a walk to junior Blake Austin, ending his bid for a perfect game.
A single from junior Ryan Tella in the seventh inning ended Ziomek's chance at a no-hitter.
Vanderbilt (17-2, 1-0 SEC) got on the board in the first inning when Conrad Gregor hit a solo homerun off Auburn starting pitcher Daniel Koger. The Commodores added another run on a Mike Yastrzemski double to left center that scored Connor Harrell, giving Vanderbilt an early 2-0 lead.
Koger (0-1) surrendered another homerun in the third inning, this one a three-run bomb from Harrell. Koger exited after six innings, giving up five earned runs on five hits, striking out one and walking two.
Auburn (13-4, 0-1 SEC) spoiled Ziomek's shutout in the eighth inning when freshman Jordan Ebert singled to centerfield and scored Blake Austin from second.
The Tigers added another run in the ninth inning on a sacrifice fly from junior Garrett Cooper that scored Hunter Kelly.
But the rally came up short, and Vanderbilt closer Brian Miller struck out junior Damek Tomscha for the final out of the game, capping a 5-2 win for Vanderbilt.
Auburn will send junior Michael O'Neal to the mound to try and even the series with Vanderbilt Saturday at 2:15 p.m. at Plainsman Park.
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