Walk-Off Wonder: Newy Delivers Dramatic Finish as Vols Stun Auburn, Tie the Series in Extra-Inning Thriller
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 3, 2025 | In a game that had everything — clutch pitching, late-inning drama, and roaring crowd energy — it was Tennessee’s Hunter Ensley, affectionately nicknamed “Newy” by fans and teammates, who stole the show with a walk-off hit that will be etched in Vols baseball lore for years to come.
With the series on the line and the scoreboard locked in a tense tie, Ensley stepped up in the bottom of the 11th inning and delivered a line-drive single to right-center, scoring the winning run and sealing a 5-4 victory over the Auburn Tigers at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The win tied the weekend series at one apiece and set the stage for a fiery Sunday rubber match.
The Moment That Electrified Rocky Top
The game-winning hit came after nearly four hours of back-and-forth baseball, with both teams refusing to back down. As Ensley rounded first and threw his helmet into the air in celebration, teammates stormed the field, mobbing him in a frenzy of orange and white. The crowd of over 4,000 fans erupted in a deafening roar, celebrating not only the win but the grit and fight that carried the Vols through 11 pressure-packed innings.
“It was one of those moments you dream about,” Ensley said in the postgame interview. “You just try to stay calm, stay in your approach, and let it rip. I’m just proud of this team and how we battled tonight.”
Vols’ Resilience on Full Display
The Vols trailed early in the game, as Auburn’s offense jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead by the fourth inning. But Tennessee’s pitching staff — led by relievers Andrew Behnke and AJ Russell — clamped down in the late frames, giving the offense time to respond.
That response came in the seventh and eighth innings when Tennessee’s bats came alive. Christian Moore ignited the rally with a towering solo shot to left field, and Blake Burke followed up with a two-out RBI double that tied the game at 4-4.
The ninth and tenth innings saw both teams threaten, but stellar defense and nerves-of-steel pitching kept the scoreboard frozen. Auburn had runners in scoring position in both frames, but Tennessee’s bullpen refused to blink, striking out key batters and turning a double play that preserved the tie.
Newy’s Heroics Cap a Gutsy Team Effort
With one out and a runner on second in the bottom of the 11th, Ensley came to the plate. Auburn pitcher Tanner Jones, who had been sharp all night, left a fastball over the plate — and Ensley didn’t miss. The crowd knew it the moment the ball left his bat.
“Hunter has been that guy for us all year,” said Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello. “He’s a grinder, he’s clutch, and he never shies away from the moment. Tonight, he gave our team and our fans something special.”
Looking Ahead to the Decider
The win improves the Vols’ record to 34-12 overall and 14-8 in SEC play, keeping them well within striking distance of a top spot in the conference standings. More importantly, it injects fresh momentum into the team heading into Sunday’s rubber match, which now promises to be a high-stakes showdown with postseason implications.
Auburn, now 30-16 (12-10 SEC), will look to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss that saw them squander multiple leads. But with both teams fighting for regional hosting rights and tournament seeding, Sunday’s finale could be one of the most intense of the season.
FINAL: Tennessee 5, Auburn 4 (11 Innings)
Winning Pitcher: AJ Russell (3-1)
Losing Pitcher: Tanner Jones (2-3)
HRs: Christian Moore (TENN)
NEXT UP: Game 3 of the series — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch is expected under clear skies and high tension.
