JD Thompson recalls SEC Tournament performance vs. Florida

JD Thompson showed out on the mound for the Vanderbilt Commodores against the Florida Gators.

Ahead of the SEC Baseball Tournament Semifinals, Thompson knew he would have to push if his team was to advance to the title game. Alas, that’s exactly what they were able to do, as Vanderbilt defeated the Gators by a score of 11-6.

Thompson did enough to help the Commodores get the victory, pitching 4.2 innings while giving up five runs on eight hits, also striking out six and walking two in his time on the mound. Afterwards, the Vanderbilt product explained what it was like to get the ball at that crucial moment.

“I can’t even describe the adrenaline rush that first inning,” explained Thompson. “I’ll probably never get that again. Props to those guys. They’re a very, very good team, and for me to go out there as my first start, I mean, yeah, it wasn’t pretty, but we won. That’s all that matters.

“We get another day to play, and I’m happy for these guys. ‘Rique making plays all throughout the game, it’s unbelievable. Like no worries whenever a ball is hit off the bat at all, and props from 1 to 9, just banging the ball all day. It was unbelievable.”

As Thompson mentioned, the adrenaline rush in the first inning was something to behold for the young pitcher, but he was able to avoid a crash once it all wore off. The Commodores flamethrower elaborated on how he was able to keep his emotions in check, and remain in the zone on the hill.

“I feel like I’ve been all throughout my life keeping my composure very well in high-stakes games,” added Thompson. “I’ve been doing it since high school, so this was nothing different. It’s just baseball. It’s just a game. Going out there and doing what I do and getting a successful outing, it felt really good.

“But just kind of bundling it all up and taking it out on the hitters instead of letting my emotions show even after a few big hits, kind of keeping my cool and getting back on the mound.”

JD Thompson came through for Vanderbilt, and now the Commodores will play in the SEC Baseball Tournament Championship against the Texas A&M Aggies. With all the marbles on the line, it should be a phenomenal showdown on Sunday afternoon.