Wright State Shuts Out Tennessee Baseball In Series Finale

Tennessee's offense struggles against Wright State in 6-0 loss

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Tennessee baseball was unable to complete the weekend sweep of Wright State, falling to the Raiders 6-0 in Sunday afternoon's series finale in Knoxville. Tennessee starting pitcher Evan Blanco was fantastic for most of his outing, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning, but ran into trouble in that frame, allowing three earned runs. The Vols' offense had no answers for Wright State starting pitcher Chet Lax, who pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed just five hits.

Why it matters

This loss snaps Tennessee's momentum after winning the series opener against Wright State. The Vols have often struggled against soft-tossing left-handed pitchers in recent years, and this game highlighted that continued issue for their offense. With SEC play looming, Tennessee will need to find more consistent production at the plate.

The details

Blanco retired 15 of the next 16 batters he faced after a leadoff walk in the first inning, but ran into trouble in the sixth. He allowed a leadoff single and then walked the next batter before JP Peltier hit a two-RBI double to break the scoreless tie. Blanco was pulled after that, having allowed three earned runs on two hits with three walks. Wright State's Chet Lax, a soft-tossing left-hander, kept Tennessee's offense in check, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing just five hits. The Vols struggled to generate scoring opportunities, putting just 10 at-bats with a runner on base and only six with a runner in scoring position.

  • Blanco took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Cam Gilkerson singled to open up the inning and a light rain began.
  • Peltier hit a two-RBI double in the sixth inning to break the scoreless tie.
  • Peltier hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to extend Wright State's lead.
  • Zac Butler hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to put the game out of reach.

The players

Evan Blanco

Tennessee's starting pitcher, who was fantastic for most of his outing before running into trouble in the sixth inning.

Chet Lax

Wright State's soft-tossing left-handed starting pitcher, who kept Tennessee's offense in check over seven scoreless innings.

JP Peltier

Wright State player who hit a two-RBI double in the sixth inning to break the scoreless tie, and later hit a solo home run in the eighth inning.

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What’s next

Tennessee baseball is back in action Tuesday when they face Tennessee Tech in its final matchup before opening up SEC play next weekend at Georgia.

The takeaway

This loss highlights Tennessee's continued struggles against left-handed pitching, an issue that has plagued the Vols in recent years. As they prepare to open SEC play, the Vols will need to find more consistent production at the plate to compete against the top competition in the conference.