Tony Vitello details how AJ Russell found success despite youth

Tennessee took Game 1 of a three-game series against SEC foe Kentucky 10-6 and AJ Russell was a part of a key stretch late.

Head coach Tony Vitello detailed how his freshman pitcher found success despite his youth. Heck, Russell looks like a veteran pitcher out there already.

During his postgame scrum, Vitello called Russell quite the mature pitcher and model athlete for his team.

“He’s got an elevated level of maturity for whatever reason,” Vitello said. “You know, and then also he’s got ability. You get good feedback from your hitters during scrimmage season. Or if they just face him for whatever reason on a given day, and, you know, he’s got good stuff. He likes to compete. I know he wants to be out there. And the cool thing about him, that maybe sometimes the other guys should recognize, you can learn from a freshman. 

“Sometimes you’re always wanting to learn from the older guys, but go out there he can have a conversation and the heart rates right here. He’s not afraid to laugh at a joke, but he’s taken his craft very seriously. It’s a pretty good balance of things he’s got going on there. So you know, could have brought him in earlier, could have left them in longer, but looking forward to his next opportunity that he gets to compete.”

Russell threw an inning of relief and struck out two batters. He did not allow a hit during his appearance. 

On the season, Russell has 24 innings, gave up seven hits, four runs (three earned), issued just six walks and struck out 38 batters during his first season.

Tennessee, AJ Russell takes first game over Kentucky in late-season series

Tennessee improved to 34-16 with the win over the Wildcats. Vitello credited Russell with his contributions in the win. 

But there was more than just Russell in the game. The No. 11 Volunteers struck first over the No. 15 Wildcats on the arm of Andrew Lindsey.

He went 6.2 innings, giving up three runs (two earned) over six hits and struck out four. Lindsey earned the win in the 10-6 victory.

Griffin Merritt was the offensive star of the game. He went 2-of-5 in the game but drove in five runs and scored two runs himself.

A seven-run third inning put Tennessee up 8-0 after three innings. Hence, an opportunity to Russell later in the contest.

Tennessee and Kentucky finish their series Saturday and Sunday.