It was just one series, but I’m sure Dave Serrano could think of worse ways to start a season.
Tennessee defeated Purdue 8-2 on Monday and completed a three-game series sweep in which the Vols outscored the Boilermakers by a 31-4 total.
“It was a good weekend for many reasons; a sweep is always good,” Head Coach Dave Serrano said. “We got a lot of guys in and a lot of pitchers got their feet wet for the first time. I’m proud of how we opened up.”
Tennessee belted out 40 hits over three-games, including a 23-hit, 20-run explosion in the second game. Outfielders Senior Scott Price and sophomore Christin Stewart led the way with six RBIs each during the series. As a team, the Vols hit .388 and slugged over .500 against the Boilermakers.
Though the Vols were swinging hot bats, it was the performance of his pitcher that pleased Serrano the most following the final victory of the series.
“Today was a team win, but it was mainly about Andrew Lee,” said Serrano.
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Lee, a sophomore, struck out three and scattered four hits across five innings in his first career start for Tennessee. The Morristown, Tenn., native was unable to pitch last season because he was recovering from elbow reconstruction surgery.
“Unbelievable,” Lee said, of his return. “It’s hard to describe. It just felt great. . . You realize when you’re gone that long that every game is a blessing.”
“He has worked extremely hard, and there has been a lot of patience involved in this,” Serrano said. “He has healed well, and he is a welcome member on this pitching staff.”
“There are a lot of good things happening, but I keep reiterating to our team that we still have a long ways to go,” Serrano said. “I don’t think anyone has ever won an SEC championship or a national championship on a weekend sweep.”
The Vols take on Appalachian State Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Knoxville.
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