“Vols Strike First!” – Tennessee takes the series opener with a 10–7 win.

The game was characterized by two significant offensive surges from Tennessee. In the second inning, the Vols scored five runs, highlighted by a two-run home run from Hunter Ensley and RBI singles from Dean Curley and Dalton Bargo. Ensley’s homer, his third of the season, gave Tennessee a 6–2 lead early in the game.University of Tennessee Athletics+4Rocky Top Insider+4AtoZ Sports+4

The fifth inning saw another offensive burst, with Tennessee adding four more runs. Ariel Antigua delivered a two-run single, and Curley added his second RBI single of the game. Antigua led the team with three RBIs, contributing significantly from the nine-hole in the batting order.Rocky Top Insider

On the mound, starting pitcher Liam Doyle overcame a challenging first inning to deliver a solid performance. After allowing a two-run homer in the first, Doyle settled in, retiring 12 of the next 14 batters and striking out seven over 5.2 innings. Relievers Tanner Franklin and Dylan Loy closed out the game, with Loy securing the final two outs to preserve the win.

This victory underscores Tennessee’s potent combination of offensive depth and pitching strength. The Vols will look to continue their momentum in the second game of the series, scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.