How it Happened: Tennessee dominates for another run-rule win over Hofstra

Tennessee broke through in a big way with a combined 11 runs in the middle innings of another run-rule victory over Hofstra, 18-1 the final score in seven innings on Saturday afternoon.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Sunday at 11 o’clock eastern time. The Vols (2-0) will be going for their first sweep of the [extremely] young season.
Marcus Phillips (1-0) shined on the mound for his first career weekend start. The right-hander tossed four scoreless innings where he left four men on base. Tristan Nemjo (0-1) of Hofstra took home the loss after allowing six runs off four hits in three innings of work.
Tennessee freshman Chris Newstrom drove in three on a double to right-centerfield in the third inning while fellow newcomer Levi Clark sent a three-run home run to left field in the fourth inning. Hunter Ensley delivered a grand slam in the fifth. Tennessee registered three homers on the day.
Here’s how it all went down for the Tennessee Volunteers on a chilly and rain-soaked day in Knoxville.
Postgame Video
Scoring Summary
Bottom 2nd: Reese Chapman drove in a run on a fielder’s choice to first base. Vols 1-0
Bottom 2nd: Manny Marin scored on a wild pitch. Vols 2-0
Bottom 3rd: Cannon Peebles drove in a run on an infield fielder’s choice. Vols 3-0
Bottom 3rd: Chris Newstrom doubled in three runs. Vols 6-0
Top 10
- 1New
Ryan Day
Rips CFP bye system
- 2Hot
Jay Bilas Top 25
Big movers in latest rankings
- 3
Kentucky Strong
John, Ellen Calipari donate to flood relief
- 4
Robert Griffin III
Blasts SEC/Big Ten CFP expansion
- 5
New Bracketology
ESPN releases updated projections
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
The freshman is having himself a day!
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 15, 2025
Bases clearing double ups the lead to 6-0!
📺 https://t.co/ROloIPvxG7#GBO // #BeatHU pic.twitter.com/vqa7UdytdU
Bottom 4th: Levi Clark belted a three-run homer to the porches in left. Vols 9-0
The freshmen are showing out today!
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 15, 2025
First-career HOME RUN for Levi!
📺 https://t.co/ROloIPw5vF#GBO // #BeatHU pic.twitter.com/6aWRHShTTu
Top 5th: Dom Camera lines a home run to right field. Vols 9-1
Bottom 5th: Hunter Ensley sent a grand slam to left field. Vols 13-1
Hunter deposits one into the Porches for a GRAND SLAM!
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 15, 2025
📺 https://t.co/ROloIPw5vF#GBO // #BeatHU pic.twitter.com/FNkjBvKDmO
Bottom 6th: Jay Abernathy singled to first base. Run scored. Vols 14-1
Bottom 6th: Blake Grimmer drove in three on a home run to right field. Vols 17-1
Bottom 6th: Colby Backus reached on a throwing error, runs scored. Vols 18-1
The Final Stats



Tennessee’s Weekly Schedule
Friday: No. 4 Tennessee 15, Hofstra 0 (7 Inn) | Box Score | How it Happened | Four Takes | Vitello Transcript
Saturday: No. 4 Tennessee 18, Hofstra 1 | Box Score | How it Happened | Four Takes | Vitello Transcript
Sunday: No. 4 Tennessee vs. Hofstra | 11 am ET | SEC Network+
Tennessee in the National Polls
USA Today – No. 2
NCBWA – No. 2
Baseball America – No. 3
D1 Baseball – No. 4
Perfect Game – No. 5