Michael Allen 
Tennessee head baseball coach Josh Elander looks on from his position as 3rd base coach in the Vols' opening night 10-0 victory over Nicholls
SEO Meta Description: Tennessee baseball opened the Josh Elander era with a dominant 10-0 run-rule victory over Nicholls behind a strong start from Tegan Kuhns and a balanced offensive attack.
The Tennessee Volunteers baseball ushered in a new chapter under head coach Josh Elander with authority, rolling past the Nicholls Colonels baseball 10-0 in eight innings to open the season.
Dominant pitching, clean defense, and timely hitting powered Tennessee to the run-rule victory, setting the tone for the Elander era from the very first pitch.
Kuhns Sets the Tone on the Mound
Sophomore right-hander Tegan Kuhns, projected to anchor the Friday night role this season, delivered a commanding debut. Kuhns worked 6.2 innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out eight. He kept Nicholls off balance from the outset, retiring the Colonels in order in the first inning and repeatedly stranding the few runners who reached base.
His performance provided exactly the kind of stability Tennessee needed with a lineup featuring numerous new faces.
Chapman Leads Early Offensive Charge
The Vols wasted little time getting on the board. After a single by Blaine Brown, senior Reese Chapman — the only returning everyday starter — roped a double to right field to drive in Tennessee’s first run of the season.
Chapman delivered again in the third inning, scoring Henry Ford, who had singled to lead off the frame. Moments later, Stone Lawless doubled home Chapman to push the lead to 3-0.
Tennessee added more in the fourth when Ford launched the Vols’ first home run of the season to straightaway center, stretching the advantage to 5-0.
Balanced Production Extends Lead
The offense continued to build momentum throughout the middle innings. Manny Marin doubled and later scored on a groundout from Ariel Antigua in the fifth. In the seventh, Antigua delivered again with an RBI double, and Tennessee capitalized on a defensive miscue to plate another run.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s bullpen preserved the shutout. Nic Abraham entered late and quickly recorded outs to keep Nicholls scoreless.
Late Power Ends It Early
The Vols sealed the run-rule win with a burst of power in the eighth. Pinch hitter Tyler Myatt crushed a no-doubt home run to right field, and Lawless followed with a blast of his own to end the game in walk-off fashion.
Additional contributions throughout the game came from Levi Clark, Jay Abernathy, and Chris Newstrom, as Tennessee’s revamped lineup showed depth and versatility.
Looking Ahead
With a dominant all-around performance, Tennessee made a strong first impression under Elander. The Vols will look to carry that momentum into the Saturday’s double header due to inclement weather expected on Sunday. Game 1 will start at 1ET with game 2 to follow 45 minutes after the conclusion of game 1.
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