To begin the 2025 season, Vols baseball implements another run-rule, completing the sweep of Hofstra.

As the 2025 college baseball season kicks off, the University of Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) have made a statement to the college baseball world. With an impressive series sweep of Hofstra University, Tennessee has proven that they are not only one of the top teams in the SEC but also a force to be reckoned with nationally. Their offensive power, pitching depth, and overall team chemistry were on full display in a weekend that saw them implement a run-rule in every game of the series.

The Vols’ 2025 season-opening sweep of Hofstra was highlighted by their offensive dominance, which left little room for the Pride to mount any serious challenges. The series was an early indicator of what could be a banner year for the Vols, with a well-rounded squad boasting powerful hitters, sharp pitchers, and a winning mentality that will be tough to beat in the SEC.

This sweep did more than just add three wins to Tennessee’s season record—it set a tone for the rest of the season. The Vols’ ability to secure run-rule victories in every game reflected the depth of their roster and the dominance they could impose on any opponent. For fans, coaches, and analysts, this early success is a sign that the Vols may be on their way to achieving significant things in the coming months.

Game 1: A Dominant Offensive Display

The first game of the series, played at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, was nothing short of a statement game for Tennessee. From the first pitch, the Vols took control of the contest and never looked back. With their offense firing on all cylinders, Tennessee wasted no time in building a commanding lead over Hofstra.

The Vols jumped on the Pride’s pitching staff early, scoring multiple runs in the first inning. Sophomore outfielder Dylan Dreyer, who had an outstanding summer in the Cape Cod League, got the scoring started with a booming double to the gap, driving in two runs. His ability to hit in high-leverage situations set the tone for the rest of the lineup. From there, Tennessee didn’t slow down. They tacked on additional runs throughout the game, with Ben Rowland, the Vols’ slugging first baseman, hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. The Vols’ offense was relentless, putting together a series of multi-run innings that left Hofstra’s pitchers struggling to keep up.

Tennessee’s pitching staff, led by Tyler Martin, was equally dominant. Martin, who is expected to be one of the top arms in the SEC this season, kept Hofstra’s batters off balance all night. His fastball had excellent velocity, and his off-speed pitches were fooling the Pride’s hitters. By the time the game reached the sixth inning, Tennessee had built up a lead that put the run-rule firmly in play.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the Vols leading 11-0, a combination of excellent pitching and timely hitting allowed Tennessee to reach the requisite run differential. Caden McDonald, the Vols’ catcher and leader behind the plate, drove in the final run of the game with a sacrifice fly, sealing the 12-0 victory. The Vols had completed a dominant performance in their season opener, and the message to the rest of the country was clear: Tennessee was ready to dominate.

Game 2: Offensive Firepower Continues

Game 2 of the series was more of the same, with the Vols showing no signs of slowing down. The second contest of the weekend proved to be another offensive onslaught, as Tennessee continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

This time, it was Jackson Thompson, the Vols’ junior infielder, who stole the show. Thompson, known for his power and ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field, had a breakout game with three hits, including a triple and a two-run homer in the fourth inning. His power was evident, as he quickly made Hofstra pay for any mistakes in the strike zone.

The Vols’ offensive depth was on full display, with different players stepping up throughout the game. Alex Barrow, Tennessee’s lead-off hitter, had a couple of crucial base hits to get on base and set the table for the middle of the lineup. Ethan Black, a speedy freshman, added a pair of stolen bases and an RBI, showing his potential as a future star. The offense never stopped, building the lead to 10-0 by the sixth inning.

On the mound, Zach Taylor, the sophomore right-hander, was exceptional. Taylor, who spent his freshman year as a key reliever, has transitioned into a starting role for Tennessee in 2025, and his performance in Game 2 showcased why he is a trusted asset. Taylor’s fastball command and ability to locate breaking balls allowed him to keep Hofstra’s batters off-balance. He struck out nine batters over six innings, walking just one, while allowing only two hits. With such dominance on the mound, it was clear that Hofstra had no chance of making a comeback.

As the game went into the seventh inning, the Vols were up 11-1. With Hofstra unable to close the gap, Tennessee was once again able to secure a run-rule victory. In the bottom of the seventh, a two-run single by Kyle Martinez, Tennessee’s standout shortstop, ended the game with the Vols winning 13-1. The second game of the series was another commanding performance, and the sweep was all but secured.

Game 3: The Clean Sweep and Final Run-Rule

The final game of the series was the most competitive of the three, but the result was no different—Tennessee completed the sweep with another dominant run-rule victory. Though Hofstra came out with a bit more fight and managed to score a few runs early on, the Vols’ offense quickly took control once again.

With Tyler Martin unavailable due to his performance in Game 1, the Vols handed the ball to their freshman pitcher Luke Vance, who made an immediate impact in his first start of the season. Vance, who has been praised for his poise and maturity on the mound, tossed five strong innings, allowing just three hits and two earned runs. His ability to work out of jams was impressive, and he kept Hofstra from mounting any sustained rallies.

Offensively, Tennessee came out swinging once again. Caden McDonald and Dylan Dreyer both had multi-hit games, while Ben Rowland capped off the series with another home run. The Vols’ power was evident, and it was clear that Hofstra’s pitching staff was no match for Tennessee’s lineup. Rowland’s two-run shot in the fourth inning gave the Vols a commanding 9-2 lead, and the game was all but decided by that point.

By the time the game reached the seventh inning, Tennessee held a 12-3 lead. With Hofstra’s pitchers exhausted and unable to keep up, the Vols closed out the game with a final run-rule victory. Alex Barrow came up big again, driving in the last run with a double to left field, and the game ended 13-3.

Postgame Reactions: Building Momentum for the Season

After the game, Vols’ head coach Tony Vitello was pleased with his team’s performance but stressed the importance of staying grounded. “It’s always nice to get off to a strong start,” Vitello said in his postgame interview. “But we know that this is just one series. There’s a lot of baseball to be played, and we need to keep our foot on the gas pedal. Our guys have shown they can hit, they can pitch, and they can play great defense, but this is just the beginning.”

The sweep of Hofstra not only served as an early statement for Tennessee but also gave the team momentum heading into the heart of their 2025 schedule. The Vols have long been known for their powerhouse offense, but their pitching depth and defensive prowess will be critical factors as they face tougher competition in the SEC.

As for the players, they were quick to credit their teammates for the dominant sweep. Dylan Dreyer, who had an outstanding series, noted, “This team is so deep, and it feels like everyone is contributing. Whether it’s offense, defense, or pitching, we’re all working together to get the job done. We just need to keep this momentum going.”

The sweep over Hofstra is exactly what Tennessee needed to begin their 2025 season: a clear message to their opponents that they are ready to compete at the highest level. The Vols will face much tougher challenges as the season progresses, but with this dominant opening weekend behind them, they’re confident that they can keep rolling.

Looking Ahead

With the season opener now in the rearview mirror, the Tennessee Vols are set to face much tougher opponents in the coming weeks. Their upcoming series will be crucial in setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season in the SEC. As they enter these challenges, the Vols will look to build on their offensive firepower, pitching depth, and overall team chemistry—key factors that will define their 2025 campaign.

If the Vols can continue playing at the level they displayed in their sweep of Hofstra, they could be poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament come June. For now, Tennessee fans will take immense pride in the dominant sweep to open the season, and the Vols will be eager to prove that this is just the beginning of something special.