Tony Vitello credits Tennessee's pitching, defense

Tennessee ran the table this weekend, going undefeated in all three of their games in the Clemson Regional to advance to their third straight Super Regional. Offense looked like it came easy for the Vols this weekend, but their defense and pitching stepped up as well, as they gave up just eight total runs over the weekend in three games.

And after their 9-2 regional championship win over Charlotte, Vols head coach Tony Vitello spoke about his team’s recent defensive success.

“We’re blessed with what we have, I mean I mentioned something about Coach Anderson to Chris Burke and he said, with a wink, it kind of helps when you’ve got some dudes,” Vitello said. “And it’s a different stable of arms you’ve got down there, there’s no question. That’s why C-Mo (Christian Moore) said it was tough to face those guys.”

The Vols used 11 different pitchers over the weekend and they nearly all impressed, as they accumulated 41 strikeouts in 32 total innings pitched this weekend. And in their two games versus Charlotte specifically, Tennessee averaged a 1.50 ERA, allowing just 12 total hits to the 49ers.

It’s safe to say Tennessee’s pitching staff has made life easy for Frank Anderson, the team’s pitching coach, as his simplistic approached has worked wonders so far this postseason.

“But I think he keeps it overly simple and yet he’s even said it before, he doesn’t really have any rhyme or reason why he’s had success as a pitching coach or why he can help guys. But there’s no question he does and unfortunately being his coworker means someone’s going to try to take him away from you every summer, including teams in the league,” Vitello admitted.

The Volunteers currently hold the NCAA record after achieving their ninth-straight NCAA regional victory this weekend, which include three straight sweeps the last three seasons. Continuity has been a big part of Tennessee’s recent success, and that’s something Vitello plans on maintaining in the Super Regional round and beyond.

“But loyalty’s a big thing for our group and it’s been pretty cool how we’ve been able to keep the whole staff together including Coach Elander. Who I thought did some things in tight games, today didn’t end up that tight, but did some things tonight and last night that helped give us an edge as well. So it’s fun to come to work,” Vitello said.