‘Vols Set Program Record with Three Grand Slams in Same Game: A Historic Night for Tennessee Baseball

On March 4, 2025, the University of Tennessee Volunteers baseball team achieved something no other Tennessee baseball team had ever done before—hitting three grand slams in a single game. This extraordinary feat not only set a new program record but also tied the NCAA Division I record for grand slams in a single game. The game, which was played at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, saw the Volunteers put on an offensive display that will be remembered for years to come. The final score, 22-9, was a dominant statement, but it was the three grand slams that took center stage, making history in the process.

Setting the Stage: A Game of High Expectations

The stage was set for a thrilling matchup between the Volunteers and the Radford Highlanders. Coming off a solid start to their season, Tennessee was eager to build on their success and continue their momentum. However, Radford came out strong, taking an early 4-2 lead. The Highlanders seemed poised to challenge the powerful Tennessee lineup, but the Volunteers were not easily intimidated.

By the third inning, the tone of the game had started to shift. The Vols’ offense began to awaken, and it was in the bottom of the third that the first grand slam of the night was hit. Sophomore infielder Reese Chapman, with the bases loaded and the game hanging in the balance, stepped up to the plate. His timing was impeccable, and as the ball left his bat, it soared into right-center field for a towering grand slam. The Volunteers had taken control, and with that moment, the crowd erupted in celebration. But no one could have predicted just how special this night would become.

The Seventh-Inning Explosion: A Historic Turnaround

While the game was far from over, it was the seventh inning that would go down in history. The Volunteers, leading 9-8, exploded for 11 runs in the inning. This offensive barrage included not one, not two, but two more grand slams. The first came from senior Andrew Fischer, whose bat had been red-hot all night. With the bases loaded again, Fischer stepped to the plate and delivered a monster hit, sending the ball deep into left-center field for a grand slam of his own. This gave Tennessee a commanding 13-8 lead, but the fireworks were far from finished.

As the inning continued to unfold, the Volunteers weren’t finished scoring. Blake Grimmer, who had been called in to pinch-hit earlier in the inning, stepped up with the bases loaded once again. It was a moment of high pressure, but Grimmer showed no signs of nerves. As he connected with the ball, it quickly became clear: Tennessee had hit its third grand slam of the game. The crowd went wild, and the game ended shortly thereafter, with Tennessee securing a 22-9 victory.

The Historic Feat: Tying the NCAA Record

The three grand slams in a single game marked a historic milestone for the Volunteers, as it not only set a program record but also tied the NCAA Division I record for grand slams in a single game. This record has now been achieved only nine times in the history of college baseball, with the last occurrence coming in 2007 when Southeast Missouri State and Freed-Hardeman hit a combined total of four grand slams in a single game. It is a rare and remarkable achievement, highlighting the explosive power of Tennessee’s lineup on this particular night.

To put the significance of this performance into perspective, hitting one grand slam in a game is a rare and thrilling accomplishment for any team. To hit two in a single game is nearly unheard of, and hitting three in the same game is a level of dominance that few teams have ever reached. The fact that Tennessee accomplished this feat against a competitive opponent like Radford only added to the magnitude of the achievement.

The Volunteers’ Offensive Power: A Season of Strength

While the game against Radford was an exceptional display of offensive power, it is important to recognize that this kind of performance is not entirely out of character for the Tennessee Volunteers. Last season, the Vols set an SEC record with 12 grand slams, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in a big way. With a deep lineup that includes power hitters, disciplined plate approaches, and aggressive baserunning, Tennessee has become known for its offensive prowess.

The 2025 season has been no different. Through just 12 games, Tennessee has already hit seven grand slams, a rate that suggests they could challenge the NCAA Division I single-season record for grand slams. That record stands at 14 grand slams, a mark set by Arizona State in 2003. Given the explosive nature of Tennessee’s offense, it seems likely that this team will continue to break records and set new benchmarks as the season progresses.

Player Contributions: Key Moments and Performances

While the team as a whole was responsible for the historic feat, there were several individual performances that stood out in the game against Radford.

• Reese Chapman’s Grand Slam (3rd Inning): The first grand slam of the game came at a critical juncture, with the Volunteers trailing 4-2. Chapman’s grand slam not only shifted the momentum but also set the tone for what would become an unforgettable offensive performance. Chapman has been one of the standout players for Tennessee this season, and his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments like this is what makes him such an asset to the team.
• Andrew Fischer’s Grand Slam (7th Inning): Fischer’s grand slam in the seventh inning was a key moment that extended Tennessee’s lead and helped put the game out of reach for Radford. With the bases loaded, Fischer’s ability to stay calm and focused allowed him to deliver a clutch hit that was crucial to the Volunteers’ dominance in the game. Fischer has been one of the team’s most consistent hitters, and his performance in this game was a testament to his growth as a player.
• Blake Grimmer’s Walk-Off Grand Slam (7th Inning): Grimmer’s grand slam, which ended the game via the run-rule, was the cherry on top of Tennessee’s offensive explosion. As a pinch hitter, Grimmer stepped up with the bases loaded and sealed the game in dramatic fashion. His grand slam was a perfect way to cap off a historic night, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting moments of the season.

Pitching and Defensive Contributions

While the offensive fireworks stole the spotlight, Tennessee’s pitching staff also played a crucial role in the game. Sophomore left-hander Dylan Loy entered the game in relief in the fourth inning, with the score tied at 8-8. Loy’s performance was critical in stabilizing the game, as he retired all seven batters he faced, including four strikeouts. His ability to keep Radford off the board allowed Tennessee’s offense to continue its onslaught without the pressure of a close game.

Loy’s performance was particularly impressive given the offensive barrage taking place. In high-scoring games like this, it is easy for pitchers to lose their focus, but Loy’s command of the game kept the Volunteers in control. His performance earned him the win, improving his season record to 2-0.

Looking Ahead: Tennessee’s Championship Aspirations

As the 2025 season progresses, Tennessee’s performance against Radford serves as a reminder of the team’s immense potential. With an offense capable of producing at historic levels, a pitching staff that can shut down opposing hitters, and a coaching staff that continues to develop young talent, the Volunteers are poised for a deep run in both the SEC tournament and the NCAA tournament.

For Tennessee, the ultimate goal is a national championship. The Vols have been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, and with this historic game under their belt, the confidence within the team will only continue to grow. The combination of explosive offense, solid defense, and strong pitching makes them a formidable opponent for anyone they face.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

Tennessee’s record-breaking performance against Radford will go down as one of the most memorable games in the history of the program. The three grand slams not only set a new program record but also tied an NCAA Division I record, cementing this night as a historic moment for Volunteers baseball. With a potent lineup, strong pitching, and an unrelenting drive for success, Tennessee is a team to watch closely as the season unfolds. If the game against Radford is any indication, the Volunteers are ready to make a serious run at the national title, and their explosive offense will continue to be a major factor in their quest for glory.