Before Tennessee baseball’s first game in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, head coach Tony Vitello spoke with the media.
The Volunteers will kick off the Knoxville Regional on Friday at 6 p.m. ET against Miami (OH). They will face either the winner or loser of the match between Wake Forest and Cincinnati on Saturday.
Here’s what Vitello had to say about the upcoming postseason.
On maintaining the starting rotation:
Most likely, yes. We have some bullpen sessions today, so we’ll see how those go and then discuss. The current order has worked well for us throughout the season, aside from some scheduling changes. At this point in the year, we’re not trying to outsmart anyone; we just want to compete at our best and hopefully that gets us the results we want. If not, maybe the support from our fans will give us that extra boost, which has helped us before in Knoxville.
On hosting the Knoxville Regional:
There are many reasons to celebrate earning a regional, as it’s quite an achievement. It’s tough to accomplish, as a knowledgeable baseball person pointed out. After spending 12 days on the road, the team needed to return home. We played a couple of extra-inning games during that stretch, which made it exhausting. Being back allows us to rest, recover, and utilize our facilities, which is essential for this weekend.
On team development over the past two weeks:
The team has continued to make progress in a positive direction. While it’s a bit vague, individual players have improved, and we’ve gotten better at understanding our team as a whole. Overall, there’s a good vibe and commitment to moving forward, which makes it enjoyable to work each day. In pregame, the atmosphere has been positive. They need to maintain that energy as the game progresses, especially with the added chaos of tournament play.
On keeping the pitching rotation consistent:
It’s important to focus on the immediate game and not get caught up in future matches. A wise mentor reminded me to concentrate on the game at hand. In a tournament setting, we can’t let thoughts of tomorrow distract us. We’re focused on the first inning against Miami (OH), while also acknowledging the other teams playing before us—both of whom are skilled.
On Miami (OH):
They’re a well-rounded team with a starting pitcher who has 11 wins, which deserves respect. Their first-year coach has them playing effectively, and they have a solid defensive record. Their statistics show they excel in all areas—not just pitching or hitting home runs. They had to win their tournament to qualify, so they are entering the tournament with good momentum.
On Liam Doyle’s recent performance:
We haven’t found anything specific indicating his recent struggles. Overall, he’s had a good year and made significant progress. After facing some strong opponents, his last outing didn’t meet his usual standards, but we pulled him early to manage his workload for this weekend. We feel positive about his readiness, and like all players, he just needs to be himself.
On Tegan Kuhns and his breaking ball:
For Tegan, it’s not about competitiveness; he’s got that in spades. It’s mainly about gaining experience. He and other players have shown improvement as they get more comfortable in their roles. At this stage, it’s less about developing a new pitch and more about committing to your strengths and making the necessary adjustments.
On AJ Russell’s perspective after missing last season:
Absolutely. Losing a season makes you appreciate the game more. Watching from the sidelines gives you a different outlook, almost like thinking strategically like a coach. The more you invest in something, the more valuable it becomes to you. That experience has likely fueled his desire for results equal to the effort he’s put in.
On AJ Russell and Brandon Arvidson’s potential roles:
Both have shown they can pitch for extended innings, whether as starters or in other roles. At this stage, flexibility is key. They’ve been in pressure situations before and will need to adapt to whatever tasks are asked of them during the tournament.
On Andrew Fischer’s success this year:
He had solid training before college, which helped him develop as a hitter. His growth isn’t just due to our program but also his effort and decisions to improve his approach at the plate. He’s focused on being a complete hitter rather than just relying on raw power, which reflects positively on his character.
On postseason pitching strategies:
We face the same pressures as the players. It’s easy to overthink during the tournament. Rather than changing our approach because of the occasion, we should focus on what helps us win. Even legendary coaches make mistakes. What matters is learning and moving ahead, which has been our focus this year.
On moving on from mistakes at this stage:
Confidence comes from past successes, so it’s essential to reflect on those experiences. We learn from mistakes, whether we win or lose. Recent games provided valuable lessons, and while we’ve faced challenges, our ability to adapt and prevail will help us moving forward. This tough competition has prepared us for what lies ahead.
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