Has Tennessee baseball discovered its shortstop? Key points from the Vols baseball sweep against Albany
Tony Vitello faces more shortstop options than ever in his seven-season tenure with Tennessee baseball. During a packed five-game week at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, the Vols coach appears to have potentially found the solution from the competitive pool.
Freshman shortstop Dean Curley emerged as one of the offensive standouts during the week that culminated in No. 9 Tennessee (7-1) sweeping Albany, winning 8-5 in the opener and then dominating the Great Danes 21-6 and 12-0 in the Saturday and Sunday matchups.
Here are the main observations from the weekend:
Dean Curley is asserting himself as the shortstop contender.
Despite a delayed debut due to a hamstring injury, Curley has made a strong impression and seems to be an early frontrunner for the position.
Curley showcased his power with a three-run homer and a triple in his debut against ETSU on Wednesday, and he continued his hitting streak against Albany. On Friday, he secured a hit, and on Saturday, he smashed another three-run homer.
Vitello commented on Curley’s performance on Saturday, stating, “He’s really strong, but also he’s got a good, compact swing. I don’t think he’s ever really trying to do too much in there. He just missed one in his first at-bat and made a minor adjustment going into the one that finally got it going for us.”
Tennessee started the season with uncertainty at shortstop. Freshman Ariel Antigua, the expected starter, is sidelined with a hand injury. Initially, junior Christian Moore played at shortstop but transitioned back to second base with Curley’s arrival.
Curley exited Sunday’s game after being hit by a pitch in the back of his head. Vitello confirmed Curley was evaluated and deemed fine. As a precaution, Tennessee might opt to rest Curley for the midweek game against High Point on Tuesday.
