Game Summary

Tennessee’s offense ignited early, posting a five-run second inning that set the tone for the game. The Volunteers continued to apply pressure, adding four runs in the fifth inning. Key contributions came from Dalton Bargo and Hunter Ensley, both of whom delivered home runs that bolstered Tennessee’s lead. ​University of Tennessee Athletics+2

Despite trailing, South Carolina exhibited resilience, attempting to close the gap with a series of runs in the later innings. However, Tennessee’s early offensive surge proved insurmountable, and the Volunteers maintained their lead to clinch the 11-7 win.​

Key Performances

• Dalton Bargo (Tennessee): Delivered a pivotal home run, contributing significantly to the Volunteers’ early lead.​

• Hunter Ensley (Tennessee): Added a home run, further extending Tennessee’s advantage and showcasing the team’s offensive depth.​

Pitching Highlights

Tennessee’s pitching staff managed to contain South Carolina’s lineup effectively, navigating through challenging moments to preserve the lead established by their offense. Specific pitching statistics from the game were not detailed in the available sources.​

Historical Context

This victory underscores Tennessee’s dominance in the SEC, marking their 11th straight series win—a streak dating back to the 2024 season. The Volunteers’ consistent performance has solidified their position as a formidable force within college baseball. ​

Tennessee’s 11-7 triumph over South Carolina in the series opener highlights the team’s offensive prowess and resilience. As the series progresses, the Volunteers aim to build upon this success, while the Gamecocks will seek to adjust and challenge Tennessee’s momentum in the subsequent games.​

Early Offensive Explosion Sets the Tone

The Volunteers wasted no time taking control of the game, exploding for a five-run second inning that immediately put pressure on South Carolina’s pitching staff. The offensive outburst was ignited by key hits, including a two-run homer from Dalton Bargo, who has been a consistent power hitter for Tennessee this season.

Following Bargo’s home run, the Volunteers continued their offensive surge with back-to-back RBI doubles from Christian Moore and Hunter Ensley, extending their early lead and forcing South Carolina’s starter to work deep into counts.

While South Carolina attempted to regroup, the damage was already done. Tennessee’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities early in the game played a crucial role in dictating the pace of the contest.

South Carolina’s Response and Mid-Game Rally

Despite falling behind early, South Carolina showed resilience and began to chip away at Tennessee’s lead. In the bottom of the third inning, the Gamecocks got on the scoreboard with an RBI single from Ethan Petry, who has been one of the team’s most productive hitters.

South Carolina managed to put together a three-run fourth inning, cutting Tennessee’s lead to 5-4, as Gavin Casas delivered a two-run double down the right-field line, electrifying the home crowd.

However, just as the Gamecocks appeared to gain momentum, Tennessee’s offense struck again in the fifth inning, adding four more runs to extend the lead to 9-4.

Key Home Runs Power Tennessee’s Offense

A major storyline of the game was Tennessee’s ability to hit for power. Hunter Ensley launched a two-run homer to left field in the fifth inning, his eighth home run of the season, further demoralizing South Carolina’s pitching staff.

By the time Tennessee plated their 10th and 11th runs in the top of the seventh inning, the Volunteers had put the game out of reach. Despite South Carolina’s attempts to rally, the early damage inflicted by Tennessee’s lineup proved too difficult to overcome.

Pitching Breakdown: Tennessee Holds Firm

While Tennessee’s offensive dominance was evident, the pitching staff also played a key role in securing the victory.

Starting Pitcher: Chase Burns (Tennessee)

• IP: 5.2 innings

• H: 7

• ER: 4

• SO: 8

• BB: 2

Burns delivered a solid outing despite allowing four earned runs. His ability to generate strikeouts in key moments kept South Carolina from putting together sustained rallies.

The bullpen took over in the sixth inning, with senior right-hander Aaron Combs pitching two shutout innings before closer Drew Beam finished off the game in the ninth.

Relief Pitching (Tennessee):

• Aaron Combs: 2.0 IP, 0 R, 3 SO

• Drew Beam: 1.1 IP, 1 R, 2 SO

On the South Carolina side, starting pitcher Jack Mahoney struggled, allowing six earned runs in four innings. The Gamecocks’ bullpen didn’t fare much better, surrendering five additional runs over the final five innings.

Defensive Standouts & Game-Changing Plays

Beyond the offensive and pitching performances, Tennessee’s defense made several key plays to maintain their lead.

• Double Play Magic: In the bottom of the sixth inning, South Carolina threatened with runners on first and second, but Tennessee’s infield turned a crucial 5-4-3 double play, stopping the Gamecocks’ rally.

• Outfield Excellence: Hunter Ensley not only shined with the bat but also made a diving catch in center field in the seventh inning, robbing South Carolina of a potential extra-base hit.

What This Win Means for Tennessee

1. Tennessee’s SEC Dominance Continues

With this victory, Tennessee has now won 11 consecutive SEC series dating back to last season, a testament to their consistency and ability to win in a highly competitive conference.

2. Dalton Bargo & Hunter Ensley Leading the Way

Bargo and Ensley’s power-hitting continues to be a major weapon for the Volunteers. Their ability to drive in runs and hit in clutch situations will be crucial as Tennessee eyes another deep postseason run.

3. Pitching Depth Will Be Key Moving Forward

While the Volunteers’ offense has carried them through many games, Chase Burns’ performance showed that Tennessee’s starting rotation still has areas to improve. The bullpen, however, remained strong and will be a critical factor in maintaining their dominance.

4. South Carolina Can Still Bounce Back

Despite the loss, South Carolina showed flashes of offensive power, particularly through the bats of Ethan Petry and Gavin Casas. If the Gamecocks can get a stronger outing from their starting pitcher in Game Two, they still have a chance to even the series.

Looking Ahead: Game Two Preview

Game Two of the series will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST at Founders Park.

Projected Pitching Matchup:

• Tennessee: LHP Drew Beam (4-0, 2.37 ERA)

• South Carolina: RHP Will Sanders (3-1, 3.89 ERA)

Tennessee will look to clinch the series, while South Carolina will aim to bounce back and force a decisive Game Three on Sunday.

Tennessee’s 11-7 win over South Carolina in Game One showcased why they are the No. 1 ranked team in the country. With explosive offense, solid pitching, and clutch defensive plays, the Volunteers demonstrated the ability to control the game from start to finish.

As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Game Two, where South Carolina will look for redemption while Tennessee seeks to extend their SEC dominance.

Can Tennessee continue their winning streak, or will South Carolina find a way to fight back? The next game will be a critical test for both teams in their quest for SEC supremacy.