The Tennessee Vols’ baseball schedule for their weekend matchup with St. Bonaventure

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team enters the 2025 season with enormous expectations. After a historic 2024 season that culminated in both an SEC title and a College World Series championship, the Vols are determined to build upon their success and prove that they’re not just a one-season wonder. As they face off against St. Bonaventure for a weekend series in Knoxville, Tennessee, the stakes are high for both teams, albeit for different reasons.

While Tennessee’s presence in college baseball is well-established, this series against the Bonnies will allow the Vols to sharpen their skills in preparation for the grueling SEC schedule ahead. For St. Bonaventure, the series presents a golden opportunity to challenge one of the top teams in the country and potentially make a statement on the national stage.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Tennessee Vols baseball team, their key players, pitching rotation, and expectations for the season, as well as the challenges that St. Bonaventure will face in their upcoming series.

Tennessee Volunteers Baseball Team: A Legacy of Success

Tennessee has long been a force in collegiate baseball, but in recent years, the Volunteers have transformed themselves into one of the most feared teams in the nation. Their success in 2024 has raised the bar for what is expected in 2025. Head coach Tony Vitello, in his seventh season at the helm, has built a powerhouse program known for its fierce competitive spirit, elite pitching, and powerful offense.

The Vols’ remarkable 2024 season saw them win the SEC regular-season championship, dominate through the NCAA Tournament, and eventually capture their first-ever College World Series title. The team’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason, set them apart as one of the nation’s elite baseball programs.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, expectations are through the roof. However, as with any top-tier program, the challenge now becomes maintaining that level of excellence and competing with the best teams in the country week after week.

Key Players for Tennessee in 2025

Several key players from the 2024 roster have returned for the 2025 season, and they are expected to play pivotal roles throughout the year. Their experience and leadership will be crucial as the Vols seek to defend their title and continue their dominance in SEC play.

1. Chase Burns (RHP)

Arguably one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball, Chase Burns enters the 2025 season with a wealth of experience and sky-high expectations. Burns was instrumental in Tennessee’s national title run in 2024, with his fastball touching the mid-90s and a devastating slider that left opposing batters swinging at air. As the ace of the pitching staff, Burns will be counted on to set the tone for the Vols, especially in marquee games like the one against St. Bonaventure.

2. Drew Beam (RHP)

Drew Beam is another pitcher who brings both talent and leadership to the table. While he might not have the same velocity as Burns, Beam’s control and ability to execute his pitches under pressure make him a key piece in the Vols’ rotation. The Vols’ success will depend on Beam’s ability to consistently go deep into games, and his experience in high-stakes situations gives him the advantage.

3. Zane Denton (3B)

Zane Denton is one of the most reliable and consistent hitters in the SEC. His ability to hit for both average and power is a significant asset for the Vols’ offense. As the third baseman, Denton is also a stalwart on defense, and his leadership in the clubhouse will be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.

4. Jordan Beck (OF)

Jordan Beck was one of the Vols’ most dangerous hitters in 2024, and he is expected to continue his offensive production in 2025. Beck has the power to hit home runs, but his ability to consistently make contact with pitches makes him a vital part of the lineup. His presence in the outfield is also a major strength, providing the Vols with both offensive and defensive stability.

Tennessee’s Strengths: Pitching and Power

The biggest strength of Tennessee’s team in 2025 lies in its pitching staff. With ace pitchers like Burns and Beam, the Vols’ rotation is arguably the best in the country. In addition to their two aces, the bullpen also features depth and talent, ensuring that Tennessee can weather the storm in tight games.

Offensively, Tennessee will continue to be a powerhouse. With a lineup that includes the likes of Denton and Beck, the Vols have the ability to score runs in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through power hitting, speed on the base paths, or fundamental small ball, Tennessee is a team that can beat opponents in every phase of the game.

Tennessee’s defense is another one of their key strengths. With a strong infield and outfield, the Vols can turn double plays with ease, and their ability to prevent extra-base hits and limit errors is a major advantage.

However, the biggest challenge for the Vols in the 2025 season will be living up to the expectations set by their 2024 success. Maintaining focus and staying healthy will be critical as the team navigates through a tough SEC schedule.

St. Bonaventure Bonnies Baseball Team: An Underestimated Opponent

While St. Bonaventure may not have the same level of recognition as Tennessee, the Bonnies are a scrappy, competitive team that has the ability to surprise its opponents. Competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, St. Bonaventure’s baseball program is not typically known for making deep postseason runs, but they are a team that can cause problems for higher-ranked programs when they’re firing on all cylinders.

In their 2025 season, the Bonnies are looking to build off of their previous campaign and prove that they can compete with some of the best teams in the country. Though St. Bonaventure is not a powerhouse like Tennessee, they have some key players who could give the Vols trouble over the course of the weekend series.

Key Players for St. Bonaventure in 2025

1. Kyle Mottola (INF)

Mottola is one of the standout players for St. Bonaventure in 2025. His ability to consistently get on base and move runners along makes him a crucial part of the offense. If Mottola can get on base early and often against Tennessee’s elite pitching, it could provide the Bonnies with opportunities to manufacture runs.

2. Nick Gatto (OF)

As one of St. Bonaventure’s power hitters, Gatto has the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. Against Tennessee’s pitchers, Gatto will need to be patient and selective, looking for his pitch while also capitalizing on any mistakes made by the Vols’ pitchers.

3. Brian McKenna (LHP)

McKenna is expected to be St. Bonaventure’s top starter in the series. While he may not have the same velocity as Tennessee’s aces, McKenna’s ability to throw strikes and mix up his pitches will be vital in keeping the Vols off balance. If McKenna can keep the game close and avoid giving up big innings, St. Bonaventure will have a shot at making the series competitive.

St. Bonaventure’s Strategy: Playing the Underdog Role

Against a team as powerful as Tennessee, the Bonnies will need to play mistake-free baseball in order to have any hope of competing. Their pitching staff must execute to near perfection, and their hitters will need to capitalize on any mistakes made by Tennessee’s pitchers. The Bonnies are a team that thrives on execution, so they must play disciplined baseball in every facet of the game.

While it may be unrealistic for St. Bonaventure to expect a sweep or even a series victory, they will be aiming to gain valuable experience by going up against one of the best teams in the nation. The series could be a major learning opportunity for the Bonnies as they head into their Atlantic 10 Conference play.

What to Expect from the Series: The Key Matchups

The weekend series between Tennessee and St. Bonaventure will feature several key matchups that could determine the outcome of the games.

1. Pitching Battle: Tennessee’s Aces vs. St. Bonaventure’s Best

The pitching duels between Tennessee’s dominant staff and St. Bonaventure’s McKenna will be the primary focus. If St. Bonaventure can find a way to limit Tennessee’s offensive production early, they could make it a competitive series. However, Tennessee’s pitchers are likely to overpower the Bonnies, particularly in the early games of the series.

2. Tennessee’s Power Hitting vs. St. Bonaventure’s Defense

Tennessee’s ability to hit for power will be a key factor in this series. The Vols have several players capable of launching home runs, which could quickly change the dynamic of the game. St. Bonaventure will need to play solid defense, turning routine plays into outs and avoiding costly errors.

3. St. Bonaventure’s Patience vs. Tennessee’s Strikeout Pitching

Tennessee’s pitchers are known for their ability to rack up strikeouts. St. Bonaventure’s hitters will need to show patience at the plate and work counts to avoid getting caught in Tennessee’s overpowering pitching.

 What’s at Stake

The weekend series between Tennessee and St. Bonaventure may seem like a David vs. Goliath matchup, but it presents significant stakes for both teams. For Tennessee, this series is an opportunity to continue building momentum toward another SEC title and potentially a return to the College World Series. For St. Bonaventure, the series is a chance to compete against one of the nation’s best and test their skills against top-tier competition.

While Tennessee enters as the heavy favorite, St. Bonaventure’s ability to perform above expectations could make this a more interesting and competitive series than many anticipate. The Vols will need to stay focused, while the Bonnies will look to use the weekend as a springboard for the remainder of their season.

With the national spotlight on them, both teams are poised to make this an exciting and important series. For Tennessee, the road to defending their title begins here; for St. Bonaventure, this series represents an opportunity to prove they belong on the national stage.