# Walk-Off Wonder: Newy’s Heroics Seal Extra-Inning Thriller, Vols Stun Auburn to Tie the Series in Dramatic Fashion
# Walk-Off Wonder: Newy’s Heroics Seal Extra-Inning Thriller, Vols Stun Auburn to Tie the Series in Dramatic Fashion……… more details
KNOXVILLE, TN – On a cool spring evening at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Tennessee baseball delivered a performance to remember, fueled by heart, hustle, and heroics. In the bottom of the 11th inning, freshman Jordan “Newy” Newell emerged as the unexpected hero, drilling a walk-off double to cap a 7–6 comeback win over Auburn and tie the series at one game apiece.
The atmosphere was electric, the stakes were high, and the crowd was rewarded with a game that had all the hallmarks of postseason baseball. Saturday night’s matchup was a must-win for the Volunteers, who were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8–4 loss in Friday’s opener.
From the opening pitch, it was clear that both teams came ready to compete. Tennessee struck first with a three-run burst in the second inning, highlighted by back-to-back doubles from Christian Moore and Blake Burke. But Auburn, refusing to be rattled, responded with two runs in the third and another in the fifth to tie the game.
The teams traded runs into the later innings, with Auburn grabbing a 6–5 lead in the top of the ninth after a Tennessee throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to cross the plate. Facing a potential series-clinching loss, the Vols stepped up under pressure.
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a runner on second, senior catcher Cal Stark came to the plate. Known more for his defense than his bat, Stark delivered in a big way, singling through the left side to bring in the tying run and send the game into extra innings.
Cal’s been a rock for us all year,” said Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello. “He might not get all the headlines, but he does the little things right—and tonight, he came through when it mattered most.
In extra innings, both bullpens took center stage. Tennessee’s sophomore reliever Andrew Behnke struck out five in two clutch innings, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the 10th. Auburn’s defense turned a key double play in the bottom of the 10th to extend the drama.
Tennessee loaded the bases with one out after a walk, a bunt single, and an intentional walk to Burke. With the game on the line, Newell—0-for-4 entering the at-bat—stepped to the plate.
On a 2–1 count, Auburn reliever Gavin Stovall left a fastball just inside the plate. Newell didn’t miss. He sent a rocket down the right-field line, prompting a stadium-shaking celebration as teammate Jared Dickey crossed the plate with the winning run.
For the true freshman, it was a moment he’ll never forget.
I was just trying to stay calm, stay short to the ball, and help the team,” said Newell. “The energy in this stadium is insane. To come through for my guys—that’s everything.
Newell was mobbed by teammates as the Vols stormed the field, capping one of their most thrilling victories of the season.
With the win, Tennessee improved to 32–12 overall and 13–9 in the SEC, maintaining their push toward postseason positioning and a potential national seed. Auburn, now 28–15, remains a dangerous team in the conference race.
The rubber match is set for Sunday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Coach Vitello indicated that sophomore right-hander Drew Beam would take the mound as the Vols look to clinch the series.
This group’s been resilient all year,” said Vitello. “We’re learning, we’re fighting, and we’re getting better. Tonight was special—but we’ve got more work to do.
