Tennessee baseball improved to 4-1 and handed instate foe ETSU its first loss of the season in a 16-0 seven-inning run rule on Wednesday evening.
The Vols got strong pitching from a number of guys and their offense exploded in a massive third inning that saw them take control of the game.
Here’s everything to know about the matchup.
Tennessee’s Offense Explodes In The Third Inning
Tennessee’s offense was quiet in its Tuesday midweek win over UNC-Asheville and despite scoring a run in the second inning it was a relatively quiet start against ETSU.
The Vols didn’t have a hit entering the third inning before exploding with a massive 11-run frame.
The inning started quiet enough. Hunter Ensley and Christian Moore each reached on infield singles and Blake Burke struck out. Billy Amick walked to load the bases before Cannon Peebles drove in a run with a fielder’s choice to shortstop.
At that point, there was two outs and Tennessee was hoping to add another run or two. The Vols had other ideas. Eight straight players recorded hits including home runs from Dean Curley, Christian Moore and Billy Amick.
Tennessee totaled 11 runs on 10 hits in the third inning, scoring 10 of the 11 runs with an incredible two-out rally.
The big inning settled any doubts about Tennessee’s offense for a second straight game and all but assured the run-rule.
Impressive Debuts From A Couple Of Vols
A handful of players made their Tennessee debuts in the Vols’ run rule victory. The most notable one was freshman Dean Curley who earned the start at shortstop after not playing in the Vols first four games of the season.
The talented freshman was involved in the shortstop battle this offseason but was hampered by a minor injury in preseason practice. Curley impressed in his career debut, hitting two-of-three with a three-run homer, a triple and a walk. He was also solid defensively.
A pair of East Tennessee those made their debut against ETSU. Dylan Loy pitched one inning in relief, striking out two batters and picking off another as he faced the minimum. The left-handed freshman isn’t likely to earn a massive role this season but he is talented and was impressive in his debut.
Former junior college transfer Colby Backus made his Tennessee debut in his second season in Knoxville and he made the most of the opportunity. The outfielder struck out in his first at-bat before launching a three-run homer and spiking his at-bat in his second at-bat.
Freshman left-handed pitcher Brayden Sharp also made his debut, allowing one hit but no more in one inning of relief.
Hunter High and Camden Bates each made their debut, striking out in pinch hit at-bats.
Tennessee Empties The Dugout
In vintage midweek fashion, Tennessee jumped out to a big early lead and used a myriad of players both in the field and on the mound.
The Vols used 17 different position players in the game with nine recording hits and 10 reaching base. Sophomore outfielder Reese Chapman also made an incredible diving catch in right field which preserved Tennessee’s team no hitter through 5.2 innings.
On the mound, Tennessee used five different pitchers and all were effective as the final score and combined no hitter would indicate.
Talented freshman LHP Matthew Dallas earned the start and pitched more than any other Vol. Head coach Tony Vitello let him throw three full innings and he allowed just one walk while striking out three batters.
Final Stats
Up Next
Tennessee baseball returns to Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Friday night where they’ll face Albany in a three-game series.
