Anchor Of Gold, a Vanderbilt Commodores community

There might not a better pitching matchup this whole year than Vanderbilt's Gray vs. UCLA's Cole on Friday at Jackie Robinson Stadium, in the first day of the Dodgertown Classic. The two flame-throwing righthanders are two of the top four prospects in the sophomore class, and they were teammates with Team USA last summer, when Cole went 4-0, 1.06 and Gray went 3-1, 0.75.

"You're talking about two premier arms," Bruins coach John Savage said. "A premier program in Vanderbilt, Coach (Tim) Corbin, Sonny Gray. And then the summer that Gerrit had with USA. Two projectable high draft picks in the '11 draft. It should be fun to see those two good arms."

"Being a player, having fans in the stands is a boost," pitcher Sonny Gray said. "You're playing for Nashville and the University as well as the fans. It makes you want to do that much better. It means a lot to see a big crowd, especially when it's cold out there in February.

"Put on a heavy jacket and come out and support us. It's going to be a fun season. Hopefully it will be a season that we'll never forget. We've put in a lot of work in the offseason and it's nice when fans come out and show their support."

Vanderbilt is now accepting applications for the 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame class.

Fans and friends of the varsity athletic program are invited to nominate their favorite all-time Commodores based on three sets of criteria.

Turn in your nomination by Friday, March 12, 2010