North Carolina State, one win from CWS final, loses to Vanderbilt with just 13 players

N.C. State, which was given the option to play or forfeit, began the game with nine position players and four pitchers, while Vanderbilt fielded ace Kumar Rocker, arguably the country’s top pitcher. Without first-team all-ACC shortstop Jose Torres, third baseman Vojtech Mensik slid into his spot and committed two errors. Freshman pitcher Sam Highfill started at first base, while pitcher Garrett Payne took the mound in place of expected starter Matt Willadsen.