Ariel Antigua Hits First Career Home Run as Tennessee Handles Oakland 11-2

Image: Kyndall Williams/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee baseball won its fourth straight game Wednesday evening, rolling past Oakland 11-2 behind a long awaited breakthrough from junior shortstop Ariel Antigua. After 117 career at-bats without a homer, Antigua finally erased the zero on at-bat No. 118, coming off the bench and unloading a three-run shot and delivering the biggest storyline of the night at LNS.

The Vols did more than that. Blaine Brown continues to be the most talented hitter this season, launching a two-run homer in the fourth to extend Tennessee’s lead to 8-0. Brown sits with the team lead  in home runs and continues to be one of the most productive bats in the lineup.

Tennessee also got some surprise production from redshirt sophomore Blake Grimmer, who made his first appearance of the season. Grimmer went 3-for-4, including a two-run double in his first plate appearance of the year. giving the Vols another potential weapon as SEC play approaches.

On the mound, Tennessee’s staff was nearly flawless. The Vols combined for 15 strikeouts, allowing just two runs on four hits. Freshman left-hander Taylor Tracey punched out seven across three hitless innings in his first career start.

Tennessee returns to action Friday night with a 10-4 record, hosting 4–6 Wright State at 6:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.