Vanderbilt Walks Off Tennessee Baseball in Series Opener

Vanderbilt scored the winning run in the 10th inning to defeat Tennessee 3-2 in the series opener.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:20am

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Tennessee baseball suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 walk-off loss to Vanderbilt in the series opener at Hawkins Field. Vanderbilt starter Connor Fennell pitched 7.1 strong innings, but Tennessee rallied in the 8th to tie the game 2-2 on an RBI single by Levi Clark. The game went to extra innings, and Vanderbilt's Logan Johnstone delivered the game-winning hit in the 10th to give the Commodores the victory.

Why it matters

This was a crucial early-season matchup between two top SEC baseball programs. The loss drops Tennessee to 0-1 in conference play, while Vanderbilt improves to 1-0 and gains an important home series win.

The details

Tennessee starter Brandon Arvidson pitched well, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings, but Vanderbilt took a 2-0 lead on an RBI single in the 3rd and a solo home run in the 5th. Tennessee's offense was held in check until the 8th, when Levi Clark delivered a game-tying RBI single. The game went to extra innings, and Vanderbilt's Logan Johnstone won it with a walk-off single in the 10th.

  • The series opener was played on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • Tennessee and Vanderbilt will continue the series on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET.

The players

Brandon Arvidson

Tennessee's starting pitcher, who allowed 2 runs over 5 innings in his first start of the season.

Tegan Kuhns

Tennessee relief pitcher who worked 4 strong innings out of the bullpen.

Connor Fennell

Vanderbilt's starting pitcher, who held Tennessee's offense in check for 7.1 innings.

Logan Johnstone

Vanderbilt's walk-off hero, who delivered the game-winning hit in the 10th inning.

Levi Clark

Tennessee's offensive star, who tied the game with an RBI single in the 8th inning.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't get the big hit when we needed it. Hats off to Vanderbilt, they found a way to win it in the end.”

— Tony Vitello, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Tennessee will look to even the series on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

The takeaway

This was a tough loss for Tennessee, but the Vols showed fight by rallying to tie the game late. The series is far from over, and Tennessee will have a chance to even things up on Saturday as the two rivals continue their SEC showdown.