_Tennessee Baseball Blasts 4 Homers in Run-Rule Win over Samford to Sweep Series_
The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team continued their dominant play on Sunday, blasting four home runs in a 12-2 run-rule win over Samford to sweep the series. The Vols’ offense was on fire, scoring 12 runs on 11 hits, including four long balls, to secure their third straight win over the Bulldogs.
The game was never in doubt, as the Vols jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a two-run homer from first baseman Luc Lipcius. The Vols added two more runs in the second inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly from catcher Connor Pavolony and an RBI single from shortstop Liam Spence.
But the real fireworks came in the third inning, when the Vols exploded for five runs, highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Lipcius and left fielder Evan Russell. The Vols added one more run in the fourth inning, courtesy of an RBI single from third baseman Andre Lipcius, to take a 12-2 lead.
The Bulldogs were able to muster only two runs on six hits, as the Vols’ pitching staff was dominant once again. Starter Will Heflin pitched four strong innings, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out five. Reliever Redmond Walsh pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, to secure the win.
The Vols’ offense was led by Lipcius, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. Russell added two hits, including a home run, and two RBIs, while Spence had two hits and an RBI.
“We’re playing really well right now,” said Vols head coach Tony Vitello. “Our offense is clicking, and our pitching staff is doing a great job of shutting down opposing lineups. We’re feeling good about where we are right now, but we know we still have a lot of work to do.”
The Vols’ sweep of Samford marks their third straight series win, and improves their overall record to 15-5. The Vols will look to continue their winning ways on Tuesday, when they host East Tennessee State at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols’ dominant play has been fueled by their explosive offense, which has scored 10 or more runs in five of their last seven games. The Vols are hitting .294 as a team, with 23 home runs and 143 RBIs.
“We’re a confident team right now,” said Lipcius. “We’re playing well, and we’re feeling good about ourselves. We know we have a lot of work to do, but we’re excited about where we are right now.”
The Vols’ pitching staff has also been impressive, with a team ERA of 3.14. The Vols have allowed only 20 runs in their last five games, and have struck out 55 batters in that span.
“We’re pitching well, and we’re playing good defense,” said Vitello. “We’re doing a lot of things well right now, and we’re feeling good about ourselves. But we know we still have a lot of work to do.”
The Vols will look to continue their winning ways on Tuesday, when they host East Tennessee State at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The game is set to start at 6:00 PM ET.
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