Tennessee Baseball Blows Out Nicholls to Sweep Series

Vols' offense explodes in 12-2 run-rule victory to complete season-opening series sweep

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Tennessee baseball's offense erupted in a 12-2 run-rule victory over Nicholls on Saturday, completing a season-opening series sweep. Rice transfer Blaine Brown continued his hot start with a home run, while Evan Blanco tossed five scoreless innings in his first outing as a Vol. Tennessee's offense scored in bunches, including four-run frames in the first and second innings to take an early lead.

Why it matters

The dominant series sweep to open the season is an encouraging sign for Tennessee baseball, which is looking to build on its success from last year. The Vols' offense showed its potential, while the pitching staff, led by Blanco's strong debut, demonstrated its depth.

The details

Tennessee's offense wasted no time getting going, with Blaine Brown and Levi Clark hitting back-to-back home runs in the first inning. The Vols then added three more runs in the frame and four more in the second to take a commanding 7-0 lead. Evan Blanco, the Virginia transfer, turned in a quality start, allowing no runs on five hits with nine strikeouts over five innings. Tennessee's bullpen closed out the run-rule victory, with Brayden Krenzel and Brady Frederick combining for the final six outs.

  • Tennessee completed the season-opening series sweep on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Blaine Brown

A sophomore transfer from Rice who had a standout weekend at the plate for Tennessee, going 8-for-14 with three home runs and five RBIs.

Evan Blanco

The Virginia transfer made his first start as a Vol, tossing five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts.

Brayden Krenzel

The sophomore right-hander recorded a 1-2-3 inning in the sixth to help close out the run-rule victory.

Brady Frederick

The ETSU transfer pitcher recorded the final three outs in the seventh inning.

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The takeaway

Tennessee's dominant series sweep to open the season is a promising sign for the Vols' offense and pitching depth, as they look to build on their success from last year and compete for a top spot in the SEC.