Apr 30, 2021
  • ESPN.com

It looked as though it might be another frustrating start -- the fourth straight, actually -- for Vanderbilt ace Jack Leiter but luckily starts aren't judged by just the first four pitches.

After walking the leadoff batter on four straight pitches, Leiter settled in and looked like himself for the first time in over a month. In a return to form outing, Leiter shutdown the Ole Miss bats over six innings while allowing just one run to lead the No. 2 Commodores past the No. 14 Rebels, 13-2. The win was his first since April 2.

It was clear early on that Leiter had all of his pitches working and the lull in his season, which saw a no decision, two losses and a scratched start, had reached its end.

The win moved Leiter's record to 8-2 on the season and his 13 strikeouts in the victory pushed his season total to 119, one ahead of teammate and fellow top prospect Kumar Rocker.

Leiter's performance helped the Commodores back to their winning ways after a loss in Rocker's start on Friday.

Typically when Rocker has given up multiple runs in a start, which has been rare in the 2021 season, the Commodore offense has come to his rescue.

Friday night was the exception to that rule.

Rocker's second loss of the season came in a 3-1 defeat at Ole Miss. The Rebels tagged Rocker for three runs, including two home runs, over the first three innings to take an early lead that ended up being insurmountable.

Despite the early outburst from the Rebels, Rocker settled in and threw four scoreless innings before his start concluded. He finished the night with seven innings pitched while allowing three runs on five hits and striking out eight.

Unfortunately for Rocker, he was outdueled by Ole Miss starter Doug Nikhazy, who finished with 10 strikeouts over seven innings of 1-run baseball.

Despite the recent struggles from both starters, the duo's combined record is 19-4 this season.

Leiter and Rocker, the 2019 College World Series Most Outstanding Player, check in at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in Kiley McDaniel's draft rankings.

Best of the season so far

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Ever seen a four-strikeout inning? Now you have!

Kumar Rocker strikes out four batters in the top of the first inning on 13 pitches.

Remaining Vanderbilt schedule

  • May 16: at Ole Miss, 3 p.m. (SEC Network)

  • May 18: Florida International, 7:30 p.m.

  • May 20: Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. (SEC Network+)

  • May 21: Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. (SEC Network+)

  • May 22: Kentucky, 3 p.m. (SEC Network+)