LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Vanderbilt built a 5-0 lead, withstood a rally, then added five insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning to beat Illinois State 10-4 on Sunday and eliminate the Redbirds in the NCAA Louisville Regional.
The two teams combined for more walks (17) than hits (16) in a sloppy game that also featured nine errors — seven by the Redbirds (32-24).
The Commodores (43-18) will take on top seed Louisville later Sunday in the regional final. If Vanderbilt wins, there will be a deciding game Monday.
Brian Harris, Jason Esposito and Joe Loftus had two hits apiece for Vanderbilt. Aaron Westlake added a three-run homer in the ninth and finished with four RBIs and three runs scored. Designated hitter Curt Casali had three RBIs without getting a hit.
