Sports

Vanderbilt Pitcher Challenged Coaches Over Surprise Benching That Immediately Backfired

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USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect


The Vanderbilt baseball team lost a crucial SEC road game to rival Alabama on Thursday night. A questionable coaching decision is now under the spotlight.

The Commodores removed starting pitcher Connor Fennell from the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. They’d give up four quick runs after his exit to lose, 5-4.

The loss is being blamed on the switch, which most believed was unnecessary at the time. Fennell, himself, was visibly annoyed with having to leave the mound.

Who is Connor Fennell?

The right-handed junior is the team’s ace, typically starting on the opening night of three-game series. The New Hampshire native started his career at Dayton before moving to Nashville.

With the Flyers, he went 4-4 across 15 games (12 starts). He transferred to Vanderbilt as a sophomore and caught fire.

During his first year with the Commodores, Fennell posted a spotless 6-0 mark and 2.53 ERA. He struck out 84 batters in just 53.1 innings of work.

Fennell was named a third-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. The production was expected to continue into his junior season.

He has taken a bit of a step back in Year 3, though he still boasts a 3-2 record as the Friday night guy.

He has a funky delivery that makes him hard to hit. His fastball tops out at around 88 MPH, but with movement given his sidearm release.

He’s tough to hit!

Alabama found that out on Thursday. The Crimson Tide was held to one run through the first 5.1 innings of play. Fennell struck out seven of the 21 batters he faced. His command was great. His stuff was electric.

Still, he was removed from the game early.

Connor Fennell challenged the coach’s decision.

Manager Tim Corbin yanked his ace in the sixth inning. It came after Fennell allowed a one-out single. He’d thrown just 70 pitches.

At the time, Vanderbilt was winning the baseball game 4-1. Fennell wanted to finish the inning. He was not given the chance.

The pitcher was replaced by Jakob Schulz, who immediately threw a passed ball and allowed a four-pitch walk. He was then benched for Luke Guth, who surrendered a quick three-run bomb.

Just two batters after Fennell’s removal, Alabama tied the game. The pitcher was beside himself.

It would get worse before it got better.

The Crimson Tide successfully completed the comeback with a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth inning.

With the loss, the Commodores fell to 27-20. It was a major shot to their NCAA Tournament resume.

Vanderbilt entered the weekend with an RPI of 64 and a losing record in SEC play. A road win over a ranked foe would’ve helped boost the profile.

Instead, the ‘Dores blew a late lead. Connor Fennell’s removal might’ve been the reason. The decision backfired. They’ll now look to bounce back in Game 2.