Tennessee Baseball Coaches and Players Reflect on Series Loss to LSU

Head coach Josh Elander and designated hitter Trent Grindlinger discuss the Vols' disappointing 12th-inning collapse against the Tigers.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:37am

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The Tennessee Vols baseball team came into Sunday's rubber match against LSU with momentum after winning Game 2, but they were unable to hold onto a 5-0 lead, eventually falling 15-5 in 12 innings. Following the tough loss, head coach Josh Elander and designated hitter Trent Grindlinger spoke to reporters about what went wrong in the late innings and the team's struggles at the plate.

Why it matters

This series loss to LSU is a setback for the Vols, who were looking to build on their recent success. The collapse in the 12th inning raises questions about the team's ability to close out close games, while the lack of offensive production over the final nine innings is a concern heading into their next series against Mississippi State.

The details

After jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the 3rd inning thanks to a Blaine Brown grand slam, the Vols were unable to add to their advantage. LSU chipped away at the lead and eventually tied the game in the 9th inning to force extra frames. In the 12th, the wheels came off for Tennessee as LSU scored 10 runs to pull away with the victory.

  • The Tennessee Vols came into Sunday's rubber match with LSU with plenty of momentum after a winning effort in Game 2.
  • Blaine Brown hit a grand slam in the 3rd inning to give the Vols a 5-0 lead.
  • LSU tied the game in the 9th inning to force extra innings.
  • LSU scored 10 runs in the 12th inning to pull away with the victory.

The players

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee Vols baseball team.

Trent Grindlinger

The designated hitter for the Tennessee Vols baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“You know, we tried to get Krenzel to get us a ground ball right there. Hits the first guy, didn't throw the pitch with conviction and just kind of unraveled from there. But, you know, home field of the ninth, we need to be able to mix and match and do some things. Rhudy did a good job of getting us out of some messes there and then Arv gave us enough right there. But just not a good there.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

“Yeah, I mean we got out the gate hot. Um I think we kind of shot, you know, just let kind of let innings go by, but other than that, I mean, I thought we competed well.”

— Trent Grindlinger, Designated Hitter

What’s next

The Vols will return to Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Tuesday to welcome Northern Kentucky before heading west for a 3-game weekend series with Mississippi State.

The takeaway

This tough loss to LSU highlights the Vols' need to close out close games and maintain offensive production throughout the entire game. As they prepare for their next series against Mississippi State, the team will need to address these issues in order to get back on track and compete in the SEC.