Vols baseball lays down another run-rule, completing sweep of Hofstra to open 2025 season

Vols baseball lays down another run-rule, completing sweep of Hofstra to open 2025 season

KNOXVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Vols baseball team continued its dominant start to the 2025 season, laying down another run-rule victory to complete a sweep of Hofstra on Sunday afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

 

The Vols (3-0) scored 11 runs in the first three innings, including a six-run second inning, to take a commanding lead over the Pride (0-3). The game was called after seven innings, with Tennessee emerging victorious by a score of 14-2.

 

“It was a great weekend for us,” said Tennessee head coach, Tony Vitello. “We played well in all phases of the game, and it was a total team effort. I’m proud of our guys for coming out and taking care of business.”

 

The Vols’ offense was led by senior outfielder, Seth Stephenson, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs. Stephenson’s first home run came in the second inning, a three-run blast that gave the Vols a 6-0 lead. His second home run came in the sixth inning, a solo shot that made it 13-2 Tennessee.

 

“Seth had a great day at the plate,” said Vitello. “He’s a senior leader on our team, and he set the tone for us offensively. We’re going to need him to continue to produce like that if we’re going to have success this season.”

 

Tennessee’s pitching staff was also impressive, with junior right-hander, Chase Dollander, earning the win after allowing just two runs on four hits in five innings of work. Dollander struck out seven and walked just one, lowering his ERA to 1.80 on the young season.

 

“Chase was great today,” said Vitello. “He threw strikes and kept their hitters off balance. He’s a talented kid, and we’re going to need him to continue to pitch like that if we’re going to have success this season.”

 

The Vols’ sweep of Hofstra marked their first series sweep of the season, and it came against a Pride team that was picked to finish second in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason poll.

 

“Hofstra is a good team, and they’re well-coached,” said Vitello. “To come out and sweep them like we did is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know we have a long way to go this season.”

 

Tennessee will look to continue its winning ways on Tuesday, when it hosts Eastern Kentucky at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The game is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET.

 

“We’re looking forward to getting back out there on Tuesday,” said Vitello. “We know Eastern Kentucky is a good team, and we’ll need to be ready to play. We’re excited for the challenge, and we’re looking forward to seeing our fans out at the ballpark.”

 

The Vols’ win over Hofstra marked their 10th consecutive victory at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, dating back to last season. Tennessee is now 3-0 on the young season, and it will look to continue its winning ways on Tuesday against Eastern Kentucky.

 

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we know we have a long way to go this season,” said Vitello. “We’re going to take it one game at a time, and we’re going to keep working hard to get better every day. We’re excited for the challenge ahead, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds.”