KNOXVILLE — The Diamond Vols opened their 2019-20 season with a three-game sweep of Western Illinois.
Tennessee, which won the opener against the Leathernecks, 3-0, Friday afternoon, saw its bats come to life over the weekend.
The Volunteers (3-0) combined to score 42 runs in the final two games of the series. Tennessee won 19-0 on Saturday and 23-4 on Sunday.
In Sunday’s tilt, UT pounded out 19 hits in front of 1,470 fans. The Vols had five extra-base hits, including home runs from Max Ferguson and Austin Knight. Luc Lipcius, Jake Rucker and Zach Daniels recorded doubles for Tennessee.
Daniels, Ferguson and Jordan Beck each had two hits and catcher Connor Pavolony scored three runs for the Vols.
On Saturday, Daniels and Knight both homered for Tennessee while Pete Derkay, Drew Gilbert and Landon Gray each doubled, for the Big Orange, which finished with 13 hits.
On the mound, Chase Wallace started and recorded six strikeouts in 5.2 innings.
Elijah Plesants, Kody Davidson, Mark McLaughlin and Gilbert all threw scoreless relief for Tennessee.
The Diamond Vols host Charlotte at 4 p.m. Tuesday.