Josh Elander, in his inaugural season as Tennessee's baseball coach, is addressing the fallout from a disheartening series loss to Kent State, marking the program's first home series loss to a nonconference opponent since 2020. After winning the series opener, the Vols fell 2-1 on Saturday and 9-5 on Sunday, prompting Elander to deliver a stern message to his team about the unacceptable performance. Known for his work as an assistant since 2018, he stressed the importance of accountability and the need to bounce back quickly as they prepare to host Bellarmine next.

By the Numbers
  • Tennessee lost back-to-back games at home for the first time since the 2020 season.
  • The Vols committed 2 errors, walked 7 batters, hit 4 batters, and allowed 4 runs with 2 outs during the series finale against Kent State.
State of Play
  • Tennessee now has a 5-2 season record after the series loss.
  • The team is looking to improve their performance and cohesiveness in a crucial upcoming game against Bellarmine.
What's Next

The Volunteers will face Bellarmine on Tuesday, marking an opportunity for redemption and a test of their ability to handle adversity early in the season.

Bottom Line

Elander emphasizes the critical need for his players to rise to the occasion and support each other moving forward, as the team's response will shape their journey through the remainder of the season.