No. 11 Tennessee defeats No. 3 Florida on run-rule walk-off, avoids sweep

No. 11 Tennessee let out some frustration on No. 3 Florida by avoiding a series sweep in a big way. The Volunteers got a run-rule victory, making it 14-2 in the bottom of the 8th to end the game.

Griffin Merritt made it a walk-off with a 3-run home run that went 406 feet.

“Ballgame” – Griffin Merritt#GBO // #OTH // #VolsWin pic.twitter.com/KJWzY3EvpR

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 8, 2023

After dropping the first 2 games 6-1 and 9-3, the Vols made sure to start the scoring early in Saturday’s series finale. Florida starting pitcher Jac Caglianone did not make it out of the first inning, walking 6 of the 8 batters he faced, giving up 3 earned runs on 35 pitches while recording just 2 outs.

UT scored in 6 of 8 innings. It was fitting that Merrit delivered the game-ending blast, as he led the way at the plate with 6 RBIs, going 3-for-4 with 2 homers.

B4 | Someone please make sure Griffin did not put a hole in that tent!!!

An absolute laser to the third deck and the Vols plate a pair, now leading 8-0!#GBO // #OTH // #BeatFlorida pic.twitter.com/EZfrzhjTf7

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 8, 2023

Tony Vitello’s squad will host Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday before heading to Fayetteville for a Friday-Sunday series against Arkansas. Tennessee is now 22-10 on the season and 5-7 in conference play.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.