#4 Tennessee Volunteers score 11 unanswered runs to cap off weekend sweep over Samford Bulldogs
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The #4 Tennessee Volunteers baseball team completed a weekend sweep of the Samford Bulldogs on Sunday, scoring 11 unanswered runs to cap off a 12-2 win at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols (9-0) were led by a strong performance from junior left-hander Drew Beam, who pitched 6.0 innings and allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits. Beam also struck out 7 batters and walked just 1.
Tennessee’s offense was paced by senior first baseman Luc Lipcius, who had 3 hits, including a home run, and 4 RBIs. Sophomore center fielder Drew Gilbert also had a big game, with 2 hits, including a home run, and 3 RBIs.
The Bulldogs (2-6) took an early 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning, thanks to an RBI single from senior second baseman Brooks Carlson. However, the Vols responded with 11 unanswered runs to take control of the game.
Tennessee tied the game up in the bottom of the third inning, thanks to an RBI single from Lipcius. The Vols then took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth inning, thanks to a 2-run home run from Gilbert.
The Vols added 3 more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, thanks to an RBI single from sophomore shortstop Logan Steenstra and a 2-run home run from Lipcius.
Tennessee continued to pour it on in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring 4 more runs to take a 12-2 lead. The Vols added an RBI single from Steenstra, an RBI double from junior third baseman Trey Lipscomb, and a 2-run single from sophomore designated hitter Kyle Booker.
Samford was unable to mount a comeback, and the Vols closed out the game with a scoreless top of the seventh inning.
Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly on the mound.
“I thought Drew Beam was outstanding today,” Vitello said. “He was able to locate his fastball and mix in his off-speed pitches effectively. Our offense was also able to get going early, which was big for us.”
The Vols will look to keep their winning streak alive next weekend, when they host Indiana State in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
_Game Stats:_
– Tennessee: Luc Lipcius (3 hits, HR, 4 RBIs), Drew Gilbert (2 hits, HR, 3 RBIs), Drew Beam (6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 K, 1 BB)
– Samford: Brooks Carlson (2 hits, RBI), Max Pinto (2 hits)
_Game Notes:_
– The Vols have now won 9 straight games to start the season, marking their best start since 2001.
– Luc Lipcius’ 3 hits and 4 RBIs marked his best performance of the season.
– Drew Beam’s 6.0 innings pitched marked his longest outing of the season.
The Vols’ weekend sweep of Samford marked their second straight series sweep to start the season. Tennessee will look to keep its momentum going next weekend, when it hosts Indiana State in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
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