Vanderbilt in Hooverville Game 2: v. aTm

Due to the impossibility of playing all 14 SEC teams in one season (though I will push for 42 conference games if given the opportunity), Vandy and aTm have not faced each other yet this year.

Let's take a look at how we match up:

Vanderbilt

Record: 40-17

Conference Record: 20-10 SEC

Rankings: RPI #11, USA Today #9, Baseball America #7

Batting: .289/.382/.451, 117 2B, 22 3B, 53 HR, 490 K, 254 BB

Pitching: 2.99 ERA, 9.69 K/9, 4.33 BB/9

aTm

Record: 44-10

Conference Record: 18-10 SEC

Rankings: RPI #6, USA Today #6, Baseball America #9

Batting: .312/.403/.476 91 2B, 11 3B, 61 HR, 342 K, 244 BB

Pitching: 3.07 ERA, 9.01 K/9, 2.88 BB/9

As you can see, there is not a world of statistically significant difference between Vandy and aTm this season.  On the mound, our ERAs are nearly identical, we strike more batters out, but they walk significantly fewer.  At the plate, they've got us in average, HR, and Ks; we've got them in 2B, 3B, and walks.

In short, this is exactly what you expect the statistical run down to be between two teams in the top 3 of the SEC competing for a National Seed.

Why None Of This Matters

Two words: Carson Fulmer.

Three more words: Is pitching today.

I don't need to tell any of you this, but The Florida Flamethrower is pretty good.

Pretty pretty pretty good.

The 2015 SEC Pitcher of the Year, SEC Pitching Triple Crown Winner, Vanderbilt's all time leader in complete game shutouts, presumptive top of the first round MLB draft pick, black belt, and eater of souls, is on the mound for us this afternoon.  So we've got that going for us... which is nice.

You know, unless Corbin goes completely on script and starts Turd Ferguson again.

Probable Starters

Junior RHP Carson Fulmer (11-1, 1.51 ERA) v. Junior LHP Matt Kent (6-1, 3.74 ERA)

Advantage Vanderbilt.

See you in the game thread.