University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
5-1
Central Michigan
0-7
Vols Shut Down Central Michigan, Sweep GCU Classic
February 28, 2016 | Baseball
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Tennessee Baseball put together an impressive, full-team effort on Sunday, as the Volunteers took a 20-1 win over Central Michigan and completed a three-game sweep in the Grand Canyon University Classic at Brazell Stadium.
Over their three games in Arizona, the Vols' offense outscored their opponents 51-12. UT's 51 runs over three games marked the most since 2004, when the Vols combined for 54 runs vs. Morehead State to open the season at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The top of Tennessee's order went to work in the first frame vs. Central Michigan, as Jeff Moberg (5-for-7, 4 RBI) knocked a leadoff double to center field. An infield hit by Chris Hall (1-for-3, RBI) put runners in scoring position before Nick Senzel (2-for-2, 5 BB, 5 RBI) roped a two-RBI double through the left side. Jordan Rodgers (1-for-5, 3 RBI) pushed another run across on an RBI-groundout to third, making it a 3-0 Vols advantage.
The production continued into the second, as designated hitter Leno Ramirez (3-for-5) led off with a double to the right-center field gap. Four Volunteers came around to score in the inning before senior Vincent Jackson (2-for-4, 2 RBI) launched a two-run homer over the right field wall, furthering Tennessee's early lead to 9-0.
The Vols put four more runs on the board in the fifth, higlighted by doubles from Max Bartlett (2-for-3, RBI) and Senzel to make it a 14-0 ballgame. Tennessee would go on to scratch six more runs on the board vs. the Chippewas en route to Sunday's win.
On the hill, junior Hunter Martin (1-0) went 4.0 innings in his first start of the year, holding Central Michigan to just three hits before UT went to righthander Steven Kane. Kane threw 2.0 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just three hits. Relievers Aaron Soto (1.0), Richard Jackson (1.0) and Zach Reid (1.0) then tossed 1.0 inning each and put the hold on the Chippewas for the win.
Vol Baseball Quick Hits
- In their first-ever matchup, Tennessee moves to 1-0 vs. Central Michigan.
- UT went 3-0 in the Grand Canyon Classic, and is now 5-1 to start the 2016 season.
- Newcomer Matt Waldren (1-for-2, 3 RBI) hit a triple into the right-center gap in just his second at-bat of the season.
- First baseman Jordan Rodgers also belted a triple vs. CMU in the sixth, the first of his career with the Orange and White.
- Leno Ramirez made his first career start for Tennessee today as designated hitter vs. the Chippewas.
- Senior Jeff Moberg had a career day, going 5-for-7 with four RBI.
- Sunday's attendance at Brazell Stadium: 377
- Up Next for the Vols: Tennessee returns to Knoxville and prepares for their 2016 Home Opener vs. Cincinnati, slated for Wednesday, March 2 at 4 p.m. ET at Lindseyy Nelson Stadium.
For more information on Tennessee Baseball, follow @Vol_Baseball on Twitter or visit UTSports.com/Baseball. You can also 'Like' the Vols at Facebook at www.facebook.com/volbaseball.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Martin, Hunter (1-0)
L: Leatherman (0-1)
Batting:
2B: Moberg, Jeff 1 ; Senzel, Nick 2 ; Ramirez, Leno 1 ; Bartlett, Max 2
3B: Waldren, Matt 1 ; Rodgers, Jordan 1
HR: Jackson, Vincent 1
RBI: Moberg, Jeff 4 ; Hall, Chris 1 ; Senzel, Nick 5 ; Jackson, Vincent 2 ; Waldren, Matt 3 ; Rodgers, Jordan 3 ; Bartlett, Max 1 ; Lance, Derek 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Moberg, Jeff 4 ; Hall, Chris 1 ; Leftridge, Brodie 2 ; Senzel, Nick 4 ; Jackson, Vincent 1 ; Waldren, Matt 1 ; Ramirez, Leno 2 ; Bartlett, Max 3 ; Lance, Derek 1 ; Neal, Daniel 1
SB: Moberg, Jeff 2 ; Senzel, Nick 1
CS: Jackson, Vincent 1
HBP: Leftridge, Brodie 1
Batting:
2B: Goodwin, D. 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Bradley, C. 1
HBP: Cole, Dazon 1
