Clark’s Eighth Inning Grand Slam Powers #2/4 Vols Past Samford

The Tennessee Volunteers (ranked #2/4 nationally) delivered an exhilarating performance on February 22, 2025, as they triumphed over the Samford Bulldogs in a thrilling college baseball matchup. The victory, capped off by an eighth-inning grand slam from freshman outfielder Brock Clark, ended with a resounding score of 12-5 and was marked by high drama, powerful offensive displays, and strong pitching. This game was a testament to the Vols’ depth and resilience, continuing to solidify their place as one of the top teams in college baseball this season.

Clark’s heroics came at a crucial moment in the game. With the Vols trailing 5-4 and just six outs away from a loss, Clark’s grand slam turned the tide in favor of Tennessee, providing a stunning late-game surge. His moment of glory not only electrified the home crowd but also showcased the power and poise of the Vols, who never let the game slip away despite early struggles.

Early Tension: Samford’s Strong Start

The game started with high expectations, as the Vols entered the contest with an impressive record, both in terms of their season and their ranking. However, it was Samford that made the first move, putting Tennessee’s pitching staff on its heels early. Bulldogs leadoff batter Chase Thompson opened the game with a single off Tennessee starting pitcher, freshman Zach Owens. Despite Owens’ strong performance in his debut, he was tested early, allowing a run-scoring double to Samford’s catcher, Josh Lopez.

By the top of the second inning, Samford had added a second run. A perfectly executed bunt by leadoff hitter Cooper Jensen advanced another runner into scoring position, and a subsequent single by third baseman Blake Richmond brought in the second run of the game.

The Bulldogs’ early scoring put Tennessee in an uncomfortable spot early on, especially with the explosive bats that the Vols are known for. But Owens held firm, fending off further damage with a series of strikeouts and timely defensive plays. Despite giving up a couple of runs, the freshman kept his composure, ending the top of the second inning without any further damage.

The Vols responded in the bottom of the second with a run of their own. Clark, who would later become the hero of the night, led off with a sharp single and advanced into scoring position after a fielder’s choice and a stolen base. A sacrifice fly by junior first baseman Ben Cosgrove brought Clark home, narrowing Samford’s lead to 2-1. The Tennessee offense was beginning to find its rhythm.

The Middle Innings: Pitching Duel and Defensives Highlights

For the next several innings, both teams seemed to settle into a pitching battle, with the Bulldogs sending out ace starter Tyler Webb, and the Vols countering with Owens before bringing in reliever Sam Winters to shut down any further threat. The fifth inning showcased stellar defensive plays, with both teams turning double plays to stifle rallies. Tennessee’s defense, led by shortstop Luke Garner, displayed both athleticism and awareness, with Garner turning a critical double play to end the fifth inning.

But despite their defensive prowess, the Vols struggled to get anything going offensively in the middle innings. Webb kept the Tennessee hitters off balance with a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, and Samford was able to add a third run in the top of the sixth, pushing the lead to 3-1. With their backs against the wall, the Vols seemed to be running out of time to mount a comeback.

Tennessee’s Surge: A Moment of Promise

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Vols finally began to make their move. With the game slipping away, sophomore designated hitter Jordan Williams ignited the rally by leading off with a double into the left-center gap. A perfectly placed bunt from right fielder Evan Allen moved Williams over to third. With two outs, it seemed like Tennessee was once again going to come up short, but freshman catcher, Nate Rivers, stepped up and delivered a clutch single to center field, bringing in Williams. The Vols were now trailing by just one run, 3-2, and their confidence was growing.

The momentum seemed to shift toward the Volunteers, with the Bulldogs now feeling the heat. However, the true turning point in the game would come in the next inning.

The Eighth-Inning Explosion: Clark’s Grand Slam

As the game entered the eighth inning, the tension was palpable. Samford had held the Vols in check for most of the game, but a few key pitching changes from the Bulldogs began to show signs of weakness. With the Vols still trailing 5-4, Tennessee’s head coach Tony Vitello made a critical decision to let Clark take over the game.

The stage was set for a dramatic moment when Clark, who had been held relatively quiet up until that point, came to the plate with the bases loaded. The count was 2-1 as Clark settled into the batter’s box, staring down Samford’s reliever, who had just come in after Webb was pulled. The tension in the stadium grew as Clark took a deep breath, then swung at the first fastball he saw—a pitch that was elevated just enough for Clark to turn on it.

The crack of the bat echoed through the ballpark as the ball soared high into the air, heading toward left-center field. The crowd stood in anticipation as the ball carried over the wall, a grand slam that would ultimately give the Vols an 8-5 lead. The eruption from the crowd was deafening. Clark’s face lit up with an ear-to-ear grin as he rounded the bases, and his teammates poured out of the dugout to meet him at home plate.

Clark’s grand slam turned the game from a one-run deficit into a commanding three-run lead in one swift, powerful stroke. It was an electrifying moment, one that will be remembered as a defining moment in his freshman season and for Tennessee’s season as a whole.

Closing Out the Victory: A Strong Finish

With the game now firmly in hand, Tennessee’s bullpen shut down Samford’s offense in the top of the ninth inning. Winters, who had come in earlier in the game, finished with two scoreless innings of work, earning the win with a total of four strikeouts. Reliever Grant Miller closed things out, recording a perfect ninth inning to secure the Vols’ 12-5 victory.

The win was a testament to Tennessee’s depth and resilience, as they fought through adversity and were led by clutch performances at key moments. Clark’s grand slam, though the game’s definitive highlight, was not the only standout moment of the night. Tennessee’s pitching staff, though tested early, eventually settled in and put the clamps on Samford’s offense, while the Vols’ defense continued to make timely plays when it mattered most.

Looking Ahead

As the Vols take this thrilling victory into their next series, it’s clear that their journey to maintain their position as one of the nation’s top teams is in full swing. With a roster full of dynamic talent, including the emerging star in Clark, Tennessee has what it takes to go deep into the postseason. They are firing on all cylinders—offensively, defensively, and on the mound—and their fans are starting to believe that this team could be something truly special.

For Samford, while the loss stings, they fought hard and showcased a competitive spirit that will serve them well as they continue their season. Their pitchers were able to contain Tennessee for much of the game, but the Vols’ explosive bats proved to be too much in the end.

As for Brock Clark, his eighth-inning grand slam has already etched his name into Tennessee baseball history, a moment that will be remembered for years to come as one of the highlights of the 2025 season.