The Vanderbilt Commodores fought through the loser’s bracket to win the SEC title after knocking off Arkansas 7-4 in the Championship game on Sunday. The Commodores jumped on Razorback starter Dallas Keuchel (6-3) in the first inning when he allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits as he got the loss. The Razorbacks lifted him after the first inning when they brought on Chris Rhoads who pitched an effective five innings while letting up two runs. Tyler Rhoden (4-0) started for Vanderbilt and went 6.2 innings while letting up four runs on seven hits to get the victory. Brett Jacobsen pitched 2.1 scoreless innings to pick up his first save of the season. Ryan Flaherty led the offense for Vandy as he went 2-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. In a losing effort, Jeff Nutt went 3-4 for Arkansas.
News and Notes from Tournament
1) Ryan Flaherty continued his 30 game hitting streak for the Commodores.
2) Jess Todd from Arkansas struck out 17 batters including the first nine batters of the game against South Carolina on Thursday in only eight innings.
3) Vanderbilt is the first team since 1996 when the SEC went to this format to lose their first game of the Tournament and win the Conference Tournament.
4) Vanderbilt is also the first team since Alabama in the 1996 season to win the Regular Season and Conference Tournament titles.
All-SEC Tourney Team
2007 All-Tournament Team
P Jess Todd, Arkansas
P Nick Schmidt, Arkansas
C Shea Robin, Vanderbilt
1B Danny Hamblin, Arkansas
2B Tony Delmonico, Tennessee
3B Pedro Alvarez, Vanderbilt
SS Ryan Flaherty, Vanderbilt
OF Dominic de la Osa, Vanderbilt
OF Casey Coon, Arkansas
OF Justin Henry, Ole Miss
DH Jeff Lockwood, Tennessee
Most Valuable Player
Pedro Alvarez, Vanderbilt
Vandy Recap
Arkansas Recap
SEC Recap
