Tennessee Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader Against Nicholls

Vols take both games of Saturday's twin bill to clinch series victory

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers baseball team swept a Saturday doubleheader against the Nicholls Colonels, winning both games to clinch the series victory. Tennessee took the first game 10-0 in an eight-inning run-rule win, followed by a come-from-behind 6-4 victory in the nightcap to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

Why it matters

The Volunteers' sweep of Nicholls marks a strong start to the Josh Elander era, as the new head coach looks to build on the program's success from previous seasons. With several key contributors returning and a talented group of newcomers, Tennessee is poised to make a run at the College World Series in 2026.

The details

In the opener, Tennessee's pitching staff combined for a shutout, with starter Landon Mack going 5.1 innings and the bullpen finishing the job. Offensively, the Vols were led by a balanced attack, with Henry Ford, Ariel Antigua, Reese Chapman, and Stone Lawless each driving in a pair of runs. In the nightcap, Nicholls jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but Tennessee rallied with a six-run sixth inning to secure the comeback victory.

  • The doubleheader was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Game one of the doubleheader started at 1:00 p.m. ET.
  • Game two of the doubleheader began approximately 45 minutes after the completion of game one.

The players

Josh Elander

The new head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, taking over for Tony Vitello who left to become the manager of the San Francisco Giants.

Landon Mack

The sophomore right-handed pitcher who started game one of the doubleheader for Tennessee.

Henry Ford

The Virginia transfer who was Tennessee's prized addition in the offseason and started the doubleheader as the leadoff hitter and third baseman.

Blaine Brown

The Rice transfer who started the doubleheader as the designated hitter and in the two-hole for the Volunteers.

Austin Vargas

The right-handed freshman pitcher who started game one of the doubleheader for Nicholls.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out and take care of business today after a strong opening win. The guys responded well and we were able to complete the sweep, which is always the goal when you have the chance.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Head Coach (Tennessee Athletics)

“It was great to see our offense break through in that big sixth inning in game two. We didn't panic when we fell behind early and just kept grinding, which is a testament to the fight in this team.”

— Landon Mack, Tennessee Pitcher (Tennessee Athletics)

What’s next

Tennessee will look to complete the series sweep on Sunday, February 16th at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Volunteers will send ace Brandon Arvidson to the mound, who is expected to make his season debut after missing the opening weekend with arm soreness.

The takeaway

Tennessee's ability to win both games of the doubleheader, including rallying from an early deficit in the nightcap, demonstrates the depth and resilience of this Volunteers squad. With a mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, Josh Elander's team appears primed for a deep postseason run in 2026.