Vanderbilt Commodores

Game Preview: No. 18 Alabama at No. 15 Vanderbilt, Game 1

The Commodores begin a crucial SEC series against the Crimson Tide a little bit later than planned. Check out starting lineups, pitching preview and tv listing here.
Taylor Hodges|
Vanderbilt left fielder catches a fly ball for an out hit by Georgia's Ryan Black Rustan Rigdon as Jonathan Vastine (13) moves out of the way during the third inning of an NCAA college baseball game at Hawkins Field Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt left fielder catches a fly ball for an out hit by Georgia's Ryan Black Rustan Rigdon as Jonathan Vastine (13) moves out of the way during the third inning of an NCAA college baseball game at Hawkins Field Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. | Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The logjam of 12-9 SEC baseball teams is about to get broken up.

By the end No. 15 Vanderbilt’s three-game series against No. 18 Alabama, there will be a little more clarity. Or not. It is the SEC after all.

The big question for tonight’s game, other than how the thunderstorms will impact it, is what Vanderbilt teams shows up? Will it be the one that swept No. 9 Georgia? Or will be the one that lost series to No. 21 Oklahoma and No. 23 Ole Miss?

We’ll find out soon enough when the Crimson Tide rolls into Hawkins Field to face the Commodores. Here’s everything to know about Friday night’s game:

Vanderbilt Commodores Starting Lineup

  1. Rustan Rigdon, LF
  2. RJ Austin, CF
  3. Riley Nelson, 1B
  4. Brodie Johnston, 3B
  5. Braden Holcomb, RF
  6. Mac Rose, DH
  7. Colin Barczi, C
  8. Jonathan Vastine, SS
  9. Mike Mancini, 2B

Alabama Crimson Tide Starting Lineup

  1. Bryce Fowler, RF
  2. Justin Lebron, SS
  3. Kade Snell, LF
  4. Richie Bonomolo Jr., CF
  5. Coleman Mizell, DH
  6. Garrett Station, 2B
  7. Will Hodo, 1B
  8. Jason Torres, 3B
  9. Brady Neal, C

Pitching Matchup

RHP Tyler Fay (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 30 IP, 22 SO, 7 BB, 15 ER, .281 b/avg.) vs. LHP JD Thompson (3-4, 4.42 ERA, 59 IP, 77 SO, 19 BB, 29 ER, .241 b/avg.)

Injury Report

Vanderbilt will be without Jacob Humphrey once again, who was listed as out for Friday’s game. Sawyer Hawks, who was listed as questionable in the initial report, was included the game day report. Alabama had no players listed on its report.

Weather Report

Nashville has spent most of Friday under a severe thunderstorm watch, but the storms are expected to clear out by the time Alabama and Vanderbilt take the field. There’s still a strong chance of more rain impacting the game, though. Temperatures are expected to be in the low-70s and down into the 60s later. Winds will be slight at 10 mph and gusts up to 13 mph.

How to Watch: No. 18 Alabama at No. 15 Vanderbilt

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Where: Hawkins Field, Nashville, Tenn.

TV: SECN+

Radio: Live Radio

Stats: Live Stats

Vanderbilt Commodores On SI:

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Taylor Hodges
TAYLOR HODGES

Award-winning sports editor, writer, columnist, and photographer with 15 years’ experience offering his opinion and insight about the sports world in Mississippi and Texas, but he was taken to Razorback pep rallies at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth before he could walk. Taylor has covered all levels of sports, from small high schools in the Mississippi Delta to NFL games. Follow Taylor on Twitter and Facebook.

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