The Tennessee Volunteers continued their perfect start to the season, improving to 6-0 with a 10-5 win over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Wednesday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols’ freshman phenom, Christian Moore, was the hero of the day, blasting a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning to break the game open. Moore’s slam was his first career home run and gave the Vols a 9-3 lead.
“I was just trying to stay calm and get a good pitch to hit,” Moore said. “I was able to get my hands inside and get the barrel on it. It was a great feeling seeing it go over the wall.”
Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello was impressed with Moore’s poise and power at the plate.
“Christian is a talented kid, and we’ve seen him do some special things in practice,” Vitello said. “To see him come through like that in a big spot was huge for us. He’s got a lot of confidence right now, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”
The Vols’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, with six different players recording at least one hit. Tennessee also drew eight walks and stole three bases, using their speed and aggression to put pressure on the Eastern Kentucky defense.
On the mound, Tennessee starter Chase Dollander pitched five strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six. The Vols’ bullpen was also effective, with relievers Mark McLaughlin and Redmond Walsh combining to pitch four innings of relief.
Eastern Kentucky’s Daniel Harris IV took the loss, allowing six runs on six hits in five innings of work.
The Vols’ 6-0 start is their best since 2003, and Vitello is proud of the way his team has come out of the gate.
“We’re playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and that’s been the key to our success so far,” Vitello said. “We’re not perfect, but we’re finding ways to win games. That’s what it’s all about.”
Tennessee will look to keep their winning streak alive this weekend, hosting the Indiana State Sycamores in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
_Game Stats:_
– Tennessee: Christian Moore (grand slam, 2 RBIs), Jordan Beck (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Drew Gilbert (2 hits, 2 RBIs)
– Eastern Kentucky: Daniel Harris IV (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Will Johnson (2 hits, RBI)
_Game Notes:_
– Tennessee’s 6-0 start is their best since 2003.
– Christian Moore’s grand slam was his first career home run.
– The Vols have scored at least 10 runs in four of their six games this season.
– Tennessee’s pitching staff has allowed just 15 runs in six games, an average of 2.5 runs per game.
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