Tennessee baseball hits thrilling walk-off grand slam to beat Wright State 9-8 in NCAA Regional
Kids growing up playing baseball dream of a night like Drew Gilbert just had.
The No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers edged past Wright State 9-8 Friday night in the opening game of the NCAA Regional Tournament from Knoxville. Gilbert, the sophomore center fielder, hit a walk-off grand slam that sent Lindsey Nelson Stadium into a wild celebration. It wasn’t just a home run; it was a bomb.
Check this out:
DREW GILBERT!!!!
GOODNIGHT!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/eyjGUvevU0
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 5, 2021
Ice in his veins.
Drew Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/XOy6S3J1YW
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 5, 2021
In addition to one of the greatest home runs you’ll see, Gilbert had one of the best bat flips you’ll see, too.
Wright State proved to be a tough No. 4 seed for the Vols, as it hit 5 home runs of its own against Tennessee, but Tennessee, like it has done all season, found a way to win it, thanks to Gilbert. The Vols were able to load the bases ahead of Gilbert, who delivered the knockout blow. There aren’t many better ways to win a baseball game.
The Raiders had won 21 of its last 23 games entering the game against Tennessee. The Raiders fell to 45-17 on the season.
Following the thrilling win, Tennessee advances in the winner’s bracket to play Liberty Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET, while the dangerous Wright State team falls to the loser’s bracket and will face Duke Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET.