Tennessee’s series didn’t begin as hoped, but ended up being a historic achievement the Vols hadn’t reached in almost a decade.
After dropping Friday’s series opener 9-5, Tennessee’s bats exploded, and the Diamond Vols took the next two contests, winning their first series on the road against the Auburn Tigers since 2005. Saturday and Sunday’s matchups were all about the long ball as the Vols put up monstrous numbers, run-ruling the Tigers both days 12-2 and 19-5.
Here are four things to know about the Vols’ win over the Tigers
Home Run History
Much anticipated history was made on Saturday in the Plains. Junior Blake Burke hit his 41st career home run as a Vol, a solo shot that broke Luc Lipcius’ record of 40 set in 2022.
They’re Just Grand
Christian Moore’s grand slam on Saturday was the eighth hit by the Vols this season, surpassing the record of seven that was set by the 1998 team. Catcher Cal Stark followed up with a grand slam of his own on Sunday – extending the team record to nine. Stark is also the first Vol to ever hit two grand slams in one season.
Home Bound
In all, the Diamond Vols hit 14 home runs in the series. The 19 runs scored on Sunday were their highest in conference play this year and the sixth time Tennessee scored double-digits against an SEC opponent.
Arms Alive
Pitching ruled the weekend as well. After AJ Causey suffered another Friday night loss, Drew Beam pitched his second complete game of the season on Saturday. Nate Snead’s strong Sunday outing earned him a team leading sixth win.
Tennessee returns to the friendly confines this week for a four-game homestand. Next up is a Tuesday mid-week matchup with Alabama A&M.
