The weather was about the only thing that could save Florida from Tennessee. Eventually, it faltered for the Gators as well.
Tennessee went on the road this weekend and played a three-game series against the Florida Gators in Gainesville. Thursday night’s game was postponed due to inclement weather, setting up a doubleheader Friday with the rubber match held Saturday. The Diamond Vols were able to take one of two from the Gators on Friday and run-ruled Florida on Saturday, securing their seventh consecutive SEC series win.
Causey’s effect in the bullpen
Pitcher AJ Causey began the season as a starter but shifted to the bullpen after a couple of rough outings. Causey may have found his place as a reliever. After a strong start by Chris Stamos on Friday afternoon, Causey entered the game in the fourth inning and was lights out – throwing five shutout innings. Causey currently leads the team with eight wins.
Top four most likely to score
Batters one through four in the lineup accounted for 15 of Tennessee’s 18 hits in Friday’s doubleheader. Dylan Dreiling went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in game one. Billy Amick had three hits, two of which were doubles, also in game one. Blake Burke had an RBI double in game two’s loss while Christian Moore had a pair of hits and an RBI.
Career high stats
On Saturday, center fielder Hunter Ensley’s bat accounted for almost half of Tennessee’s 16 runs. Ensley had a three-run homer, a pair of two-run doubles for seven RBIs – a career best for Ensley. Also on Saturday, pitcher Nate Snead struck out seven Gators – a career-high for him.
Offense continues to impress
Saturday’s 16-3 victory over Florida in seven innings is the fifth run-rule win versus SEC opponents. Tennessee got 11 of those 16 runs in the sixth inning – which is tied for the most runs scored in one inning this season (11 scored against ETSU on Feb. 21st).
Despite Friday night’s low-scoring loss, Tennessee’s bats continue to be extremely hot. The Vols look for another mid-week win, this time against Queens, at home Tuesday evening.
