PHOTOS: Tennessee run-rules Samford to sweep series
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team completed a three-game sweep of Samford on Sunday, run-ruling the Bulldogs 12-2 in seven innings at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Vols (8-0) 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 Vols took control of the game early, scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Lipcius got the scoring started with a 2-run home run, and Gilbert followed with a 2-run single.
Tennessee added 2 more runs in the second inning, thanks to an RBI double from junior third baseman Trey Lipscomb and an RBI single from sophomore shortstop Logan Steenstra.
The Vols continued to pour it on in the third inning, scoring 3 more runs to take a 9-0 lead. Gilbert hit a solo home run to lead off the inning, and Lipcius followed with an RBI single. Sophomore designated hitter Kyle Booker also had an RBI single in the inning.
Samford (2-5) finally got on the board in the top of the fifth inning, thanks to an RBI single from senior second baseman Brooks Carlson. The Bulldogs added another run in the sixth inning, thanks to an RBI single from junior left fielder Max Pinto.
However, the Vols were able to put the game away in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring 3 runs to take a 12-2 lead. Lipcius had an RBI single in the inning, and Steenstra also had an RBI single.
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, RBI)
_Game Notes:_
– The Vols have now won 8 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.
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