Tennessee Baseball acting head coach Josh Elander met with the media following the Vols’ 12-2 series-opening win over Dayton in Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Elander touched on Chase Dollander’s 12-strikeout performance and how he was able to rebound after a rocky first inning. Elander also spoke on AJ Russell’s big performance and how the freshman has impressed thus far.
“AJ’s been really good,” Elander said in regards to Russell. “That was kind of a late addition for us about two years ago now. He’s made a great jump and has a lot of extension on his fastball. He’s just really throwing strikes. We’re trying to just get him out there on a weekend and see how he will bounce back after throwing in the midweek.”
The Vols’ acting skipper did not have an update on head coach Tony Vitello’s situation, as Elander said he had been advised not to comment on the situation.
“Just to be straight up, I respect you guys have a job to do, but I’ve been told there’s really nothing I can say on Tony’s deal,” Elander said.
Vitello was suspended on Friday prior to the game for the entire series. Vitello’s three-game suspension came from Tennessee, not the NCAA, and it is in regard to how Vitello handled the recruitment of transfer short stop Maui Ahuna.
With Vitello’s suspension lasting through Sunday, Elander will serve as Tennessee’s acting head coach for the remainder of the weekend.
Elander’s entire postgame press conference video is below.
