Jayden Davis, Vanderbilt’s second baseman, was hit in the face by a pitch during Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, resulting in immediate substitution and subsequent surgery for orbital damage.
- Jayden Davis was injured by a pitch to the face during a game against Mississippi State, which required surgery.
- The injury occurred as Davis attempted a bunt; subsequent adjustments were made to the team lineup.
- Despite an initial win in the series, Vanderbilt ultimately faced losses in subsequent games.
Jayden Davis Struck During Crucial Play
During the second game of their weekend series against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt’s second baseman Jayden Davis left the field after being struck in the face by a pitch.
The impact occurred as Davis was preparing to bunt, leading to the pitch being declared a strike. The game was intense, with Vanderbilt trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning.
At this point, the team had runners on first and second and had managed to score a run earlier in the inning. Following Davis’s exit, Calvin Hewett stepped in with a 0-2 count but unfortunately popped out. The Commodores eventually lost the game 7-4.
Coach Tim Corbin described the immediate aftermath, stating, “He got hit with a pitch. It’s a cut … underneath his eye. That’s all I saw at the moment.”
Vanderbilt’s Strategic Shifts Following Davis’s Injury
Post-injury, the Vanderbilt team had to make several field adjustments. RJ Austin shifted from first base to second base.
Concurrently, Braden Holcomb moved from right field to first base, and Matthew Polk transitioned from center field to right field.
Hewett, who had replaced Davis, stayed in the game playing center field. These changes came during a challenging time for the team, which held a record of 31-11, with an 11-8 in the SEC.
The Commodores won the first game of the series 4-0, with Bryce Cunningham pitching the whole game without letting the other team score.
Coach Corbin’s Update on Davis’s Surgery and Recovery
The following day, Coach Corbin revealed more concerning news about Jayden Davis’s condition.
The injury sustained required surgery for damage to his orbital, which was more severe than initially assessed.
Corbin expressed uncertainty about whether Davis would return for the remainder of the season, marking a significant setback given Davis’s standout performance this season.
Prior to the injury, Davis had an impressive .319 batting average, with an even higher .347 in SEC play, leading his team during conference matches.
The loss of Davis, a key player since his transfer from Samford and a former standout at Cookeville High, poses a significant challenge for Vanderbilt as they navigate the remainder of the season.
His absence was felt during Sunday’s game, during which Vanderbilt narrowly lost 8-7 to Mississippi State. Davis was unable to participate even in pregame warmups, even though he was present at the ballpark.
