Vandy reaches CWS finals after NC State game canceled due to COVID

Vanderbilt Commodores pitcher Kumar Rocker. Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt reaches CWS Finals after game vs. NC State canceled due to COVID-19 protocols

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/26/21

The NCAA announced early Saturday morning that the NC State vs. Vanderbilt game scheduled for Saturday afternoon was declared a no-contest due to COVID-19 protocols.

The decision means Vanderbilt advances to the College World Series Final on Monday.

NCAA Statement from Division I Baseball Committee:

The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee has declared the Vanderbilt-NC State Men’s College World Series game scheduled for Saturday, June 26 at 1 p.m. Central time a no-contest because of COVID-19 protocols. #CWS pic.twitter.com/amxdQwkQ6l
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 26, 2021

NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan released a statement Saturday morning, saying the last 24 hours have been "extremely difficult" for everyone involved.

A statement from Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan on @NCStateBaseball: pic.twitter.com/Ai3ReKvB0s
— NC State Athletics (@PackAthletics) June 26, 2021

The announcement comes after Vanderbilt defeated NC State 3-1 on Friday.

According to D1Baseball.com, two NC State players who were not vaccinated tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Under COVID-19 protocols, the remainder of the roster was tested and four more players returned positive tests. Those players were in the dugout during Friday's game.

The Commodores will now face the winner of Saturday's game between Texas and Mississippi State on Monday.

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