The #1/2 Vols defeat Radford to tie the NCAA record with three grand slams.

In an electrifying matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the #1/2 ranked Tennessee Volunteers delivered a statement performance against Radford, sealing their victory with an impressive offensive showing that featured a tie for the NCAA record with three grand slams in a single game. The game, which was a testament to the Vols’ offensive power and discipline at the plate, will go down in history as one of the most dominant performances in NCAA baseball history.

The Stage is Set: Tennessee’s Quest for Greatness

The Tennessee Volunteers entered this game with high expectations. Ranked #1 in the country by the Baseball Writers Association of America (and #2 by the coaches’ poll), the Vols were not just the favorites to win their conference, but also serious contenders for the College World Series. The team had already been building momentum throughout the season with outstanding performances across the board, but this game against Radford would be a chance to etch their names into the history books.

Tennessee’s roster was loaded with talent—strong pitching, solid defense, and one of the most potent lineups in college baseball. Players like Jorel Ortega, Evan Russell, and Trey Lipscomb had been instrumental in Tennessee’s success, and they knew that this game, despite Radford being a less competitive opponent, could serve as the perfect opportunity to showcase their offensive prowess.

Radford’s Challenge: Facing Off Against College Baseball’s Elite

Radford University’s baseball team came into the game as the underdog. While they were no strangers to upsets in the world of college baseball, they were about to face one of the most feared teams in the nation. For the Highlanders, it was an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the country’s most dominant squads.

The Vols were well aware of Radford’s underdog spirit, but they were also determined to assert their superiority from the first pitch. Their approach was aggressive—Tennessee was focused on capitalizing on any mistake Radford’s pitchers made, and it didn’t take long for the Vols to show just how potent their offense could be.

The Game Begins: Early Offense Sets the Tone

As the game got underway, the Vols immediately put Radford on the back foot. Tennessee’s offense wasted no time in taking control of the game. In the bottom of the first inning, the Vols got their first opportunity to display their firepower. With two outs and the bases loaded, a pitch hung up in the strike zone. Jorel Ortega, who had already been in tremendous form throughout the season, did not hesitate. He launched the ball into the left-field stands for a grand slam, putting the Vols up 4-0 and setting the tone for the rest of the game.

The grand slam from Ortega was a statement. It wasn’t just a routine home run—it was an early warning sign for Radford, a reminder that this Tennessee team could strike at any time, with any player. The crowd erupted, and the Vols’ dugout roared with excitement. The game was just beginning, but the tone had already been set.

A Historic Day at the Plate

By the time the fourth inning arrived, Tennessee’s offense was in full swing. The Vols had already racked up multiple hits, and it was clear that Radford’s pitchers were struggling to keep the game close. The Highlanders tried to regroup, but with each at-bat, Tennessee’s power hitters seemed to get stronger.

In the top of the fourth inning, Tennessee’s offense took it to another level. With two outs and another loaded bases situation, Trey Lipscomb, who had been on a tear all season, stepped up to the plate. Lipscomb, always calm under pressure, seemed to find another gear as he crushed a pitch over the right-field wall, sending it soaring for another grand slam. The Vols’ bench exploded in jubilation, and the crowd stood in unison to celebrate the second grand slam of the game.

This second grand slam was special—it marked a tie with the NCAA record for the most grand slams hit in a single game. The accomplishment was a testament to the depth of Tennessee’s lineup and their ability to take advantage of key moments. But they weren’t done yet. The energy in the stadium was palpable, and the Vols were determined to break the record outright.

The game continued to spiral in Tennessee’s favor, with Radford unable to find an answer for the offensive onslaught that was coming from all directions. By the seventh inning, the Vols were still pushing hard, showing no signs of letting up. Their dominant offensive approach was led by batters who were constantly looking for opportunities to capitalize on mistakes and deliver clutch hits when it mattered most.

The Historic Third Grand Slam

As the game progressed to the bottom of the seventh inning, with Tennessee holding a commanding lead, the Vols’ offense was still locked in. They were now a single grand slam away from setting an NCAA record—a feat that would add to the growing legacy of this team.

With one out and two runners on base, Evan Russell, who had been hitting with power throughout the season, stepped up to the plate. The crowd knew what was at stake—the chance to make history. The Radford pitcher, under immense pressure, delivered a fastball that didn’t quite catch the corner of the plate. Russell didn’t hesitate. He connected perfectly with the pitch, and the ball rocketed high into the air, clearing the fence in center field for the third grand slam of the game.

The stadium erupted into a frenzy. Three grand slams in a single game—an NCAA record. It was a feat that had never been accomplished before in the world of college baseball. The players poured out of the dugout, running to greet Russell as he rounded the bases. It was a moment of pure euphoria for the Vols, and the crowd was on its feet, celebrating not just the victory, but the historical significance of the moment.

Breaking Down the Record: A Testament to Tennessee’s Offensive Power

The accomplishment of hitting three grand slams in a single game was not just a random act of offensive explosion. It was a reflection of Tennessee’s approach to the game—aggressive, relentless, and always looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities. For the Vols, the key to their success lay in their ability to string together quality at-bats, work the count, and create situations where they could capitalize on the opposing pitcher’s mistakes.

Each grand slam hit by the Vols was a demonstration of their superior hitting ability and mental approach at the plate. Whether it was Ortega’s early grand slam, Lipscomb’s clutch shot, or Russell’s historic hit, each swing represented a team that was determined to leave its mark on the game and the record books. Their ability to hit for power while maintaining a disciplined approach was a key factor in this historic performance.

The Aftermath: A Dominant Victory for Tennessee

When the game finally came to a close, Tennessee had emerged victorious in dominant fashion, defeating Radford by a final score of 19-2. The box score told the story of a team that was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the offensive explosion. The Vols finished the game with 17 hits, including the three grand slams, and their pitching staff held Radford to just two runs on four hits.

For Tennessee, this game wasn’t just about the record—it was about making a statement. The Vols had sent a message to the rest of the country that they were a force to be reckoned with, and they were more than capable of dominating their opponents at the highest level. Their offense, which had already been one of the best in the nation, was now etched in history, and their record-setting performance would be remembered for years to come.

Looking Ahead: The Vols’ Journey Continues

As the Vols celebrated their historic win, the focus quickly shifted to the rest of the season. With the NCAA record for grand slams in a single game tied, Tennessee’s players knew that the true challenge lay in maintaining this level of excellence as they moved forward. The game against Radford was an incredible achievement, but it was just one of many on the road to the ultimate goal: a College World Series championship.

The Vols’ dominance at the plate, combined with their strong pitching and defense, makes them one of the most complete teams in college baseball. With a deep roster and a championship mindset, Tennessee is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

As for the three grand slams? They will go down in history as one of the most remarkable feats in NCAA baseball—and the Tennessee Volunteers will forever be remembered as the team that made history.