College World Series: Fullerton and Vanderbilt to resume rain-suspended game

After a constant drizzle throughout the morning, the tarp is off the field and the precipitation has relented at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Cal State Fullerton and Vanderbilt are hoping to resume last night’s rain-postponed game at noon PDT.

Looking to advance in the winner’s bracket, the Titans hold a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. They will be trying to escape a two-out jam with a runner on third base and Vanderbilt slugger Zander Wiel at bat with a 3-and-2 count.

The game originally was scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. PDT but was postponed a second time as the rain continued through the night and into the morning. However, the grounds crew has done a nice job getting the fifth-year stadium ready for play. While there are some muddy patches on the warning track in foul territory, the infield looks to be in good shape. Thanks to individual tarps, the mound and home plate areas appear to be in great condition.

The big question is who will be on the mound for Cal State Fullerton when the game resumes. No official announcement has been made. Right-handed sophomore Chad Hockin is in the bullpen, but no one is throwing as of 20 minutes before the game. Titans starter Thomas Eshelman struck out eight and allowed just four hits in 5 2/3 innings before the weather stopped play.

The Titans have a 3-0 lead on the defending national champions thanks to manufacturing a trio of runs against Commodore ace Carson Fulmer last night. Timmy Richards walked to lead off the third inning, advanced to third on a balk and a sacrifice bunt and scored on a Taylor Bryant single.

Richards walked again in the fifth inning. A double put two runners in scoring position. A wild pitch scored Richards and Josh Vargas singled home a run to make it 3-0.