Vols secure run-rule victory over ETSU with a dominant third inning explosion.
Wednesday was all about debuts for Tennessee, with Matthew Dallas making his first career start against East Tennessee State in the second day of back-to-back games. Despite his brief appearance, Dallas showed promise. Meanwhile, Dean Curley also had a notable debut, hitting a home run in just his second career at-bat and a triple in his third. True freshmen Dylan Loy and Brayden Sharpe made their pitching debuts as well.
The No. 9 Vols secured a 16-0 victory over the Bucs (3-1), largely fueled by a remarkable third inning. This inning saw 10 hits and 11 runs, catapulting Tennessee (4-1) to a commanding lead.
Dallas achieved his first career strikeout in the first inning, while Tennessee took the lead in the second inning when Kavares Tears scored on a wild pitch.
The third inning saw significant action, with Hunter Ensley’s infield hit bringing in a run and Robin Villeneuve’s single to left field scoring another. Dean Curley’s debut was highlighted by a 3-RBI home run, extending the Vols’ lead to 7-0.
The scoring spree continued as Tennessee batted around in the inning. Ensley’s double scored Dylan Dreiling, and Christian Moore’s home run widened the lead to 10-0. Billy Amick’s homer extended the lead further to 12-0.
Dallas exited the game after three innings, tallying three strikeouts and one walk while not allowing any hits.
Loy took over in the fourth inning, impressively recording his first career strikeout. He also helped pick off a base runner.
In the fourth inning, Ensley’s single increased the lead to 13-0. Marcus Phillips and Brayden Sharpe made appearances in the bullpen, with Phillips retiring the side in order and Sharpe maintaining the shutout despite giving up a hit.
Colby Backus, a Johnson City native, capped off the scoring with a three-run home run in his first appearance at Tennessee.
With the run rule enforced, Tennessee secured victory in just seven innings.
