Tennessee Baseball HC Josh Elander Reflects on 16-Inning Loss to Vanderbilt

Elander discusses pitching performances, offensive struggles, and the team's competitiveness in the marathon game.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander met with the media following the Vols' 6-5 series-clinching loss to Vanderbilt in 16 innings. Elander discussed a range of topics, including the team's pitching performances, offensive struggles, and overall competitiveness in the marathon game.

Why it matters

This extra-inning loss to rival Vanderbilt is a tough blow for the Tennessee baseball program, which was looking to take the series against the Commodores. Elander's reflections provide insight into the team's mindset and areas for improvement as they look to rebound from the heartbreaking defeat.

The details

Elander touched on several key moments in the game, including the Vols' five-run inning, the decision to have Stone Lawless bunt with runners on the corners in the 15th, and the performances of pitchers Cam Appenzeller, Landon Mack, and Bo Rhudy. He praised the team's competitiveness but acknowledged the need to execute better in crucial situations.

  • The game lasted 16 innings, the longest in Tennessee baseball history.
  • The loss came on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee baseball team.

Cam Appenzeller

A Tennessee pitcher who had a strong outing in the game.

Landon Mack

A Tennessee pitcher who pitched in the game.

Bo Rhudy

A Tennessee pitcher who came in relief during the game.

Stone Lawless

A Tennessee player who bunted with runners on the corners in the 15th inning.

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What they’re saying

“We'll talk on the bus here in a second. That's a tough one. Our guys competed well. Getting walked off two nights in a row is not a good feeling. We need to make the adjustments and how we go about our business and execution to make sure when we're in those spots, our guys just relax and get it done because spots all over the place to get it done and it's right there.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

“I thought the guy (Wyatt Nadeau) was just running out of gas a little bit. Starter had good stuff out of the gate. Fastball was really taking off and then breaking ball. Had some really good top-to-bottom depth today. Just a high-handed guy.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

“He's been phenomenal. He's been a guy that continues to get better. The moment doesn't seem to be too big for him. Throwing strikes and we'd like to let him run a little bit more, but he's been great. His communication. It was just a little gas there at the end, so it was time to go to (Bo) Rhudy.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

“Continues to grow each day. We've asked a lot of him this week. I thought he's met every challenge with how he needed to. The ball's coming out crisp, the breaking ball continues to get better. It's a good sign for moving forward because he's a workhorse and he's starting to gain some confidence out there.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

“It's baseball, it's gonna happen. There's a lot of things we can look at, but usually there's beauty in simplicity when you're struggling because guys will try to look at mechanics, this or that. Usually we'll go on an external focus and just let those guys just remember who they are. They're always one swing away from getting hot.”

— Josh Elander, Head Coach

What’s next

The Vols will look to rebound in the series finale against Vanderbilt on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The takeaway

This marathon loss to Vanderbilt highlights the need for Tennessee to execute better in high-pressure situations, but Elander praised the team's overall competitiveness and believes they are just one swing away from getting back on track.