Tennessee run-rules Florida to take the series

The Vols are 19-0.

Tennessee baseball just keeps cruising along. The Volunteers won their first SEC series of the season this afternoon, disposing of the No. 7 Florida Gators once again.

Tony Vitello turned to Marcus Phillips on the mound, who has settled into the Saturday role for the Volunteers. He’d get some early help from Jay Abernathy, who made a catch while plowing into the wall to end the 2nd inning.

Levi Clark followed that defensive play up with a double, then Manny Marin drove him in with a single up the middle to give Tennessee a 1-0 lead.

Phillips was outstanding on the mound for Tennessee. The righty went seven strong, throwing 110 pitches on the day. Phillips gave up five hits, striking out seven of the 21 batters he faced.

Tennessee held their 1-0 lead all the way into the bottom of the 7th.

As good as Phillips was for Tennessee, Aidan King was almost just as good. King gave up one earned off just four hits before the Gators went to the bullpen in the 7th. Tennessee put two men on looking for a little insurance. A steal and a walk would load the bases for Dean Curley delivered.

Right down the 3rd base line it went to plate three Tennessee runs.

Hunter Ensley added another with a single through short. Andrew Fischer hit a liner back up the middle to score two more.

And then Reese Chapman sent everyone home early. A three-run blast run-ruled the Gators in the bottom of the 7th, completing a nine-run inning.

Tennessee improves to 19-0 on the year and wins their first SEC series of the year. The Volunteers and Gators will back back tomorrow afternoon for game three. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.