What we learned as Vanderbilt baseball got swept by South Carolina

Vanderbilt baseball has a 3-3 SEC record after two weekends, but the way it happened leaves a lot of confusion about where it is headed.

After sweeping Auburn at Hawkins Field to start conference play, Vanderbilt (19-6, 3-3 SEC) went on the road for the first time and got swept by South Carolina. First, the Commodores dropped both games of a Saturday doubleheader, 8-4 and 8-3, then they gave up six runs in the first inning to lose Sunday 10-2.

Defense was a struggle all weekend as they gave up nine total unearned runs. They also had just four extra-base hits.

South Carolina star Ethan Petry, a preseason All-American, reached base nine times across the three games and hit two home runs Saturday.

Here's what we learned:

Defense has a rough weekend

Three key errors for Vanderbilt led to the nine unearned runs. In the first game, with the score tied, RJ Austin committed an error at first base with two outs to put two runners on base, one of whom scored on an infield single. Then, with the bases later loaded, Calvin Hewett dropped a fly ball in center field that led to three more runs, and an RBI single later that inning added one more run.

During the first inning of Sunday's game, Parker Noland — who transferred from Vanderbilt to South Carolina in the offseason — reached after Jonathan Vastine lost a pop-up in the sun. Later, after two runs had already scored in the inning, Troy LaNeve dropped a fly ball to lead to two more runs with two outs, and another Vanderbilt transfer, Gavin Casas, hit a two-run homer off starter Devin Futrell.

Though six runs scored in that inning, Futrell could have escaped with just two runs allowed if not for the three miscues.

Carter Holton proves his worth

Although he got a no-decision in the first game, Carter Holton was once again excellent. He threw six innings, allowing two runs with four walks and 10 strikeouts. It was his third straight start with nine or more strikeouts after having only one such game all of last season.

Holton threw 114 pitches, however, which calls his status into question for the series against Missouri. That starts Thursday, which would mean he would need to start on short rest if he is to pitch.

Bryce Cunningham walked only one and struck out nine in his start Saturday, but he gave up five runs total, including two home runs. Futrell gave up eight runs in just three innings Sunday, though just four of the runs were earned.

Walks continued to be an issue for the bullpen. Relievers walked eight batters in 10 innings, and even usual strike-thrower Brennan Seiber had two walks.

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Which version of this team is real?

Vanderbilt was ranked No. 3 in the country for its play the past few weeks, including a series against Auburn that featured double-digit hits in all three games.

The team that showed up at South Carolina looked like a completely different squad, and not in a good way. It was the first true road series the Commodores had played all season, but a team that had previously overcome an 11-3 deficit in a win over Texas instead completely deflated when things went wrong.

Alan Espinal, named the SEC Player of the Week a week ago, went hitless in the entire series, drawing only two walks. Jayden Davis, who had eight hits against Auburn, saw his 24-game on-base streak come to an end Sunday when he finished 0-for-4. Vanderbilt stole only two bases the whole weekend; South Carolina stole five.

The team that swept Auburn — a team that had offensive production up and down the lineup — stole bases nearly at will and got long enough starts from the rotation to avoid much bullpen exposure, was nowhere to be seen a week later. Which version of the team shows up in future weeks will determine how quickly the Commodores bounce back.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt baseball swept at South Carolina: What we learned