No. 11 Tennessee defeats No. 3 Florida on run-rule walk-off, avoids sweep
By Andrew Olson
Published:
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 writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
