By Nate DeVille
Tennessee earned a much-needed bounce-back victory over Austin Peay on Tuesday night, after a disappointing sweep at Vanderbilt over the weekend.
As part of their preparation for a weekend visit from the reigning champion LSU Tigers from Apr. 3-5, the Vols took advantage of a rebound game against the Governors, behind a strong and balanced offensive performance led by utility man Garrett Wright.
Home run blasts from Wright, Henry Ford, and Tyler Myatt highlighted the Volunteers’ 13-hit, 10-RBI night, en route to a convincing 13-4 win.
Wright, who batted in the lead-off spot once again tonight, made his presence felt throughout the contest, connecting on three hits in as many plate appearances. The junior transfer made his Volunteer debut last month and has steadily progressed since, earning more roster flexibility between outfield and catcher.
Despite being recruited from Bowling Green to play defense behind the plate, Wright has spent the majority of his time this season on the grass. Due to the recent injury of Vols catcher Stone Lawless, though, Wright has been given the opportunity to put the gear back on.
“I love catching,” Wright said. “I’m really comfortable catching. I’ve done that my entire life. It’s like riding a bike.”
With the injury to Lawless and his dominant two-way production against Austin Peay on Tuesday, Wright will certainly be in contention to play more innings in his favorite spot on the diamond in future outings.
“Being back out there, it’s really nice for me because that’s where I’ve always wanted to play. I grew up playing catcher,” Wright said, reflecting on the transition.
“Outfielder wasn’t my main position, so being stuck in the outfield was a little rough for me mentally,” Wright continued. “It’s really nice being back [catching].”
Moving to catcher has not been the only adjustment that Wright has had to make this month, as a mid-season move up to the leadoff spot also came as a surprise to the junior.
Wright was approached by the Tennessee coaching staff about the lineup adjustment for the first time in early March, before the Vols’ clash with the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens.
“Garrett was honest with me after going down to Georgia, I think he was a little uncomfortable with that,” Tennessee coach Josh Elander said of Wright’s response to the adjustment.
“I think he thought he had to change his persona or drive up the pitch count,” Elander continued. “We want our guys, regardless of where they hit in the lineup… to be who they are.”
After his new leadoff man’s 3-3 outing on Tuesday night against Austin Peay, Elander remains confident in his lineup adjustment.
“I think that conversation really helped him, and he’s going to be just fine,” Elander said.
Wright and the Volunteers will be back on the field on Friday, Apr. 3, at 5:30 p.m. ET when LSU comes to Knoxville for a three-game conference series matchup.