All the statements made by Tony Vitello following Tennessee baseball’s victory in the series against Albany.
The No. 9 Tennessee baseball team secured its inaugural series win of the season by defeating Albany 21-6 on Saturday afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. During the game, the Vols scored nine runs in the fourth inning, followed by four in the fifth, five in the sixth, and three in the eighth, resulting in a total of 21 runs on 15 hits and two Albany errors. The team hit four home runs and batted around in an inning twice.
Junior RHP Drew Beam, making his second start of the season, pitched 5.0 innings to earn his first win of the season, allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out four.
Following the victory, Vols coach Tony Vitello addressed the media to discuss the team’s performance in game two. Here are Vitello’s remarks:
Regarding freshman Dean Curley’s three-run homer and his ability to make adjustments at the plate:
“Curley has demonstrated remarkable strength and a compact swing. His ability to make minor adjustments during his at-bats showcases his advanced hitting skills for a freshman.”
On Curley’s advanced hitting abilities considering his freshman status:
“Curley’s advanced skills are evident partly due to his strong baseball background and work ethic. He’s a confident player who has participated in prestigious baseball events, and his eagerness to contribute to the team is apparent.”
Reflecting on the team’s performance throughout the game:
“The team demonstrated resilience and perseverance, particularly after a slower start in the first three innings. We emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and pressing forward throughout the nine innings, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the game.”
Praising Robin Villeneuve’s performance and his competitive spirit:
“Villeneuve’s competitive nature and consistent effort make him a valuable asset to the team. He brings a positive attitude and contributes to the team’s overall success, regardless of individual performance.”
Explaining the team’s tendency for big innings:
“The team’s ability to capitalize on positive momentum and build off each other’s successes often leads to explosive innings. However, we aim to achieve greater consistency throughout the game.”
Assessing Drew Beam’s pitching performance:
“Beam delivered a solid performance against a determined opponent. Despite some challenges, he effectively executed his pitches and contributed to the team’s success.”
Providing updates on player statuses and potential starters for the next game:
“Updates on player statuses will be provided tomorrow. Zander Sechrist is likely to start, with other pitchers such as Nate Snead and Marcus Phillips prepared to contribute. We have confidence in our pitching depth for the upcoming game.”
Discussing Dalton Bargo’s performance and resilience:
“Bargo has exhibited exceptional hitting skills throughout the season, despite facing challenges with playing time. His dedication and preparedness have been evident, and today’s performance was a testament to his talent and perseverance.”
