Tony Vitello commends Dylan Dreiling for composure in big moments

Tennessee Volunteers baseball has had another huge year under skipper Tony Vitello. One of the biggest contributors on offense has been outfielder Dylan Dreiling‘s play at the plate. Dreiling has come up huge for Tennessee in clutch moments.

Shortly after wrapping up the regular season, Vitello discussed the play of a star outfielder, revealing what makes him cool, calm, and collected when the lights are the brightest.

“I think keeping calm,” said Vitello. “You know, (he’s) a guy like David Ortiz is considered clutch because of what he’s able to do in the ninth innings and extra inning, but he also hit a bunch of homers in like the second inning of his career. I think it’s just him being him. Maybe other guys get wrapped up in the extra yelling in the stands or back-and-forth in the dugout or what the count is or the scoreboard; he seems to be very competitive at all times and doesn’t seem to waver where he gives up an at-bat or gives away to much value to another one.”

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Tennessee was able to capture the SEC regular season title following a victory over South Carolina on Saturday, coupled with the Kentucky Wildcats falling to Vanderbilt.

Up next for the Volunteers is the SEC tournament, followed by the regional round of the college baseball playoffs. Tennessee and Vitello will need Dreiling to continue his composed play in big moments if the Volunteers want to finish 2024 as world champions of college baseball.

Vitello offers injury update on AJ Russell ahead of SEC Tournament

Pitcher AJ Russell appears set to take the mound for the first time since March at the SEC Tournament later this week.

Vols head coach Tony Vitello provided an update on the sophomore on Monday before Tennessee left for Hoover.

“Yea, I think, you know, when and where and how will depend a little bit,” Tony Vitello said. “I didn’t talk with him, I guess. I told you guys he was done getting on the mound before we’d go there, but he put in some work on the mound today, which was good. I’d rather he pile up some reps and feel comfortable.”

This season, AJ Russell has thrown 12 1/3 innings across four appearances, with three of those being starts. He has a 5.11 ERA. That comes after AJ Russell had a 0.89 ERA in 24 appearances and one start in 2023.