Tennessee Baseball Coach Laments 'Gutting' Series Sweep Loss to Vanderbilt

Head coach Josh Elander discussed his team's response, injuries, and standout performances after a heartbreaking 16-15 defeat.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander expressed his disappointment following the Volunteers' devastating 16-15 series-sweeping loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville. Elander discussed how his team needs to respond after such a tough defeat, provided an update on an injury to player Stone Lawless, and highlighted the strong performances of Trent Grindlinger and Blaine Brown despite the series loss.

Why it matters

The series loss to in-state rival Vanderbilt is a major setback for the Tennessee baseball program, which had high hopes for the season. Elander's comments provide insight into the team's mindset and areas that need improvement as they look to rebound from the tough series.

The details

In the aftermath of the series-sweeping loss, Elander acknowledged the devastating nature of the defeat, in which Tennessee blew a five-run lead in the ninth inning. He emphasized the need for his team to 'get back off the mat' and respond, with plenty of conference play remaining. Elander also provided an update on the status of player Stone Lawless, who suffered a scary injury, and praised the performances of Trent Grindlinger and Blaine Brown, who stepped up despite the overall series loss.

  • The series loss to Vanderbilt occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee baseball team, who addressed the media following the series-sweeping loss to Vanderbilt.

Stone Lawless

A Tennessee baseball player who suffered a scary injury during the series against Vanderbilt.

Trent Grindlinger

A Tennessee baseball player who had a strong performance coming off the bench in the series-ending loss to Vanderbilt.

Blaine Brown

A Tennessee baseball player who had a successful outing on the mound despite the team's overall series defeat.

Evan Blanco

A Tennessee baseball player whose approach at the plate was discussed by coach Elander following the series loss.

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What they’re saying

“It's a gutting, gutting game. Tough, tough weekend. And our guys just need to get back off the mat. There's plenty of conference play left, and we can talk about being in these games, but you got a five-run lead in the ninth – you got to attack the strike zone and go do it.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Baseball Head Coach

“Trent (Grindlinger) did good coming off the bench and I thought the guys swung the bat well coming back-and-forth. Just a weird game with the way the ball was playing. A very offensive day all the way around.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Baseball Head Coach

“Yeah, absolutely.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Baseball Head Coach

“Just a different mindset, body language. Coming out and just playing baseball after a tough first two days. But he's a really good player. We need to see more of that.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Baseball Head Coach

“I think, again, just getting the ball in the air. The ball was really, really carrying and missing with the off-speed pitches. He wasn't as crisp around. He gave us enough to give us a chance to stay in the game. But Abraham was the story of the day. Doing really, really well.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Baseball Head Coach

What’s next

The Tennessee baseball team will look to rebound from the series sweep when they return home for four games next week.

The takeaway

This series loss to in-state rival Vanderbilt is a major setback for the Tennessee baseball program, but coach Elander emphasized the need for his team to respond and get back on track with plenty of conference play remaining. The team's ability to bounce back from this devastating defeat will be crucial as they aim to salvage their season.