Vanderbilt’s Stephen Scott Wins Cape Cod HR Derby

WAREHAM, Mass.—Orleans outfielder Stephen Scott (Vanderbilt) won the home run derby Saturday during the Cape Cod League’s all-star game festivities.

Scott hit six home runs in the first round to advance to the finals, where he hit three more homers to beat Brewster outfielder Chandler Taylor (Alabama). It was Taylor’s second runner-up finish in a home run derby this month, as he also came in second in the College Home Run Derby in Omaha.

Scott is hitting .314/.392/.570 with five home runs in 28 games this summer. He said he has worked to stay within himself and stay smooth at the plate, traits that helped him Saturday. The lefthanded hitter did most of his damage during the derby to his pull side, turning on the ball to unlock his power.

“Just trying to drive it,” he said. “Just trying to catch an inside pitch and give it a bit of lift.”

Scott hit .227/.347/.311 with two home runs in 38 games this spring for Vanderbilt. But with outfielders Ro Coleman, Reed Hayes and Jeren Kendall all moving on to pro ball after this year’s draft, there will be more at bats available this spring for a player such as Scott.

The junior is eager for the opportunity to try to win a starting spot in the Commodores’ lineup.

“I’m always excited to face a challenge,” he said. “I’m hoping to be in one of those positions. We’re going to get back in the fall and I’m going to do my best to earn that role.”

For now, however, Scott is enjoying the summer with Orleans. He said that has been one of the keys to his success at the plate.

“Just having fun, going out there and just trying to have a good time,” he said. “It’s the game of baseball and we’re playing on Cape Cod. How much better could it get?”