There was always the possibility of Tennessee taking out some Friday night frustration on visiting Morehead State given that the Volunteers suffered an upset loss Tuesday against Boston College.
That's exactly what happened, and then some.
Third baseman Zane Denton led the carnage by going 4-of-5, hitting for the cycle and providing six RBIs as the Vols obliterated the Eagles 23-4 inside Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Tennessee led 23-2 through seven innings.
"I'm still in shock, honestly," Denton, the transfer from Alabama, told reporters after Tennessee improved to 12-3. "I never would have ever imagined that I would hit for the cycle. Luckily it happened, so I'm going to try and enjoy it."
Denton clinched the cycle with a triple.
"I knew I needed it, but I wouldn't say I'm the fastest runner," Denton said. "Once I saw it go over the shortstop's head, I was like, 'I've got a chance.' Never in a million years would I have thought I would hit for the cycle."
Said Tennessee coach Tony Vitello: "The best part was seeing the smile on his face."
Denton's RBI double to right field in the first inning gave Tennessee a 1-0 lead, and his leadoff home run to right-center in the third inning put the Vols up 6-0. Shortstop Maui Ahuna homered twice to drive in five runs, including a three-run shot to right-center in the second inning, while center fielder Jared Dickey added three RBIs.
Dickey had a homer to center in the third inning immediately after Denton's blast, and the Vols wound up scoring five that inning to build a 10-0 bulge.
"We were definitely frustrated after Tuesday, but we knew what we're capable of," Denton said.
Tennessee starting pitcher Chase Dollander racked up 11 strikeouts and nearly worked six full innings. Dollander has now tallied double-digit strikeouts in three straight games for the first time in his career.
Rogers' no-hitter
Former Meigs County softball standout Ashley Rogers opened Southeastern Conference play for No. 4 Tennessee by pitching the second no-hitter of her career in the Lady Vols' 6-0 victory over Ole Miss at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
Rogers' first no-hitter came last April against East Carolina. She tallied nine strikeouts Friday in improving to 6-0 this season.
The Lady Vols are 18-1 and have won 13 straight games, with 12 of the 13 by shutout.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com.