The Tennessee Vols beat Wake Forest 11-5 on Monday night, earning their fifth straight Super Regionals trip. Congrats to the team—rest up and get ready for Arkansas!

The Tennessee Volunteers continued their impressive postseason run Monday night, defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 11-5 in a commanding performance that solidified their place in the 2025 NCAA Super Regionals. With the win, Tennessee has now advanced to the Super Regionals for the fifth consecutive season—a testament to the consistency, talent, and leadership embedded in the program under head coach Tony Vitello.

A Dominant Night in Knoxville

Tennessee wasted no time asserting dominance in front of a raucous home crowd at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. From the first pitch, the Vols looked sharp and focused, showing why they’ve remained one of the most respected programs in college baseball over the past five years. The offense ignited early, jumping on Wake Forest pitching and never letting up.

The Vols’ bats were hot, collecting double-digit hits for the third straight game. Every part of the lineup contributed, but it was the heart of the order that truly delivered when it mattered most. Senior outfielder Jared Dickey led the way, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a towering home run in the fifth inning that electrified the crowd. Sophomore infielder Christian Moore also added two hits and scored twice, showcasing both power and plate discipline.

On the mound, Tennessee’s pitching staff did enough to keep Wake Forest’s potent offense at bay. Starter Drew Beam went five solid innings, allowing just three earned runs while striking out six. Beam’s poise on the mound allowed the Vols to build an early lead and keep momentum on their side. The bullpen, which has been a strength all season, locked things down from there. Key relievers Seth Halvorsen and Kirby Connell combined for four innings of two-run ball to close the door on Wake Forest’s season.

Wake Forest’s Last Stand

Credit must be given to Wake Forest, the No. 2 seed in the regional, for putting up a valiant effort. The Demon Deacons, known for their offensive firepower, made several pushes throughout the game but couldn’t string together enough hits to make a serious dent in Tennessee’s lead. Their ace, Josh Hartle, struggled against the Vols’ aggressive approach and was chased early after surrendering five runs in less than four innings.

Wake Forest’s defense also faltered at key moments. A costly error in the sixth inning led to three unearned runs for Tennessee, breaking the game open and silencing any hopes of a comeback. In the end, the Vols were simply too deep, too experienced, and too relentless to be denied.

Vitello’s Vision Realized

Since taking over as head coach in 2017, Tony Vitello has transformed the Tennessee baseball program into a perennial powerhouse. Once considered an afterthought in the SEC, the Vols are now a fixture in the national conversation, and this year’s trip to the Super Regionals marks yet another step forward for the program’s continued ascent.

Under Vitello, Tennessee has emphasized player development, defensive fundamentals, and aggressive base running—all of which were on full display Monday night. The culture he’s cultivated is evident in the way his players compete: confident, energized, and unafraid of big moments.

“Our guys just love to play the game,” Vitello said postgame. “They feed off the energy of each other, and they’ve worked hard for moments like this. We’re excited to move on and keep this thing going.”

Vitello also praised the home fans, who have become one of the most passionate and loyal fanbases in the college game. “Knoxville showed up again tonight. They’ve been behind us all year, and we feed off that. It’s special,” he added.

A Familiar Foe Awaits: Arkansas

With the regional title secured, the Vols now turn their attention to a massive challenge: a Super Regional matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville. Arkansas, one of the SEC’s traditional powerhouses, brings an elite pitching staff and a well-rounded lineup that’s battled through the toughest conference in the country.

This will not be the first high-stakes showdown between the two programs. Tennessee and Arkansas have developed a spirited rivalry in recent years, thanks in part to their regular season battles and postseason clashes. In 2021, Arkansas edged Tennessee in a hard-fought Super Regional series. This year, the Vols will be looking for revenge—and a ticket to Omaha for the College World Series.

“We know what kind of team Arkansas is,” said senior catcher Cal Stark. “They’re battle-tested, they’re tough, and they’re well-coached. But so are we. It’s going to be a war, and we’re ready.”

Keys to the Super Regional

To advance to Omaha, Tennessee will need to continue doing what they’ve done all season: dominate at the plate, play error-free defense, and rely on their deep pitching staff. The Vols rank among the top teams in the country in home runs, runs scored, and team ERA—a rare combination that makes them dangerous in any matchup.

Offensively, players like Blake Burke, Christian Moore, and Dylan Dreiling will need to stay hot. All three have the ability to change games with one swing, and their presence in the middle of the lineup puts constant pressure on opposing pitchers.

On the mound, look for Tennessee to lean on Drew Beam, AJ Russell, and Chris Stamos to set the tone in the Super Regional. All three starters bring different looks and approaches, giving Vitello the flexibility to match up depending on Arkansas’ lineup.

But perhaps the biggest X-factor will be the Vols’ experience. Having been to four straight Super Regionals before this one, this group knows what it takes to win at this level. The pressure won’t rattle them. In fact, it may elevate their game.

Vol Nation Rises

Fans across the state of Tennessee are buzzing with excitement, and for good reason. The Vols are playing some of their best baseball at the perfect time, and their blend of talent, chemistry, and swagger makes them legitimate College World Series contenders.

Social media was flooded Monday night with celebrations, congratulations, and praise for the team’s performance. Former Vols, including MLB players like Jordan Beck and Ben Joyce, chimed in with messages of support. The energy surrounding this team feels reminiscent of 2021’s magical run—and possibly even more promising.

Knoxville is once again the center of the college baseball universe, and Vol Nation is rallying behind this group with full force. Tickets for the Super Regional in Fayetteville are expected to be in high demand, and it’s likely that a sizable contingent of orange and white will make the trip to Baum-Walker Stadium to support their team.

Looking Ahead

The Super Regionals are set to begin this weekend, with exact times and dates to be announced. Tennessee and Arkansas will square off in a best-of-three series to determine who punches their ticket to Omaha and the College World Series.

It promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the SEC’s top programs. Every pitch, every swing, and every defensive play will carry massive implications. The margin for error is razor-thin, and only one team will emerge victorious.

For Tennessee, the mission is clear: finish the job. After five straight appearances in the Super Regionals, this team is hungry to take the next step and bring a national title back to Rocky Top. With momentum on their side and a battle-tested roster, the Vols are more than capable of doing just that.

Until then, the team will rest, recover, and prepare for what promises to be their biggest challenge yet. If their performance against Wake Forest was any indication, Tennessee is far from finished.