Redshirt Freshman Caleb Cotham was dominating, before tiring late against the Louisville Cardinals in a midweek Top 25 clash at Hawkins Field in Nashville. Cotham (7IP, 4ER, 7H, 1BB, 9K) used a heavy and hard fastball and a sweeping curve to handcuff the Cards, including recording the golden sombrero on UL star Chris Dominguez (1-4, 3K) in his first three ABs.
Also leading the way was true freshman catcher Curtis Casali (this correspondent’s preseason pick for future Commodore MVP status). Casali has seen his playing time rise somewhat unexpected. Despite being a top 50 HS prospect last year, Casali entered the season at #3 on the depth chart behind Senior Shea Robin and Redshirt Sophomore Andrew Giobbi. With Pedro Alvarez’ injury, Giobbi has been seeing time at 3B, 1B and DH, giving Casali a chance to spell Robin. With two straight starts, Casali used a perfect day to up his season stats in 14 plate appearances to .778 BA, .857 OBP and a .889 SLG with 7 R and5 RBI. The hard hitting catcher has been a stalwart being the plate and will likely start to find more weekend playing time spelling Robin (who can also play 2B or DH).
The Commodores got on the board early with Preseason All American Shortstop Ryan Flaherty’s (2-5, 2R, 3RBI) 2-run first inning home run. Second Baseman Alex Feinberg (3-3, 2R, 5RBI) later added a 3-run shot, and Preseason All American Rightfielder Dominic de la Osa (2-4, 3R, 1RBI) sent a booming solo shot to left.
It was not a pretty day for the Card pitching staff, which surrendered 10 total free passes. James Belanger (2.1 IP, 5H, 6ER, 4BB, 2K) picked up the loss. You can read the VU press release here.
I apologize for the lack of Vandy and SEC updates of late. I’ve been getting swamped at work and will post when I can. As always, those wishig to keep up with the Dores can get their fix by virtue of watching all home games on VUCommodores.com All-Access (with free registration).
