Stanford's loses in Omaha as bats go silent against Tennessee

The Cardinal were unable to hold onto their early lead

Omaha, Nebraska- Stanford started their game against Tennessee just how they did against Wake Forest in their first loss of the College World Series, with a lead. 

The Cardinal put up two runs in the first inning, one which came via a wild throw from Tennessee's catcher on a double steal, and the other that came thanks to an RBI double by Alberto Rios. Stanford ace Quinn Mathews, who was pitching for the first time since his 156 pitch outing against Texas, was able to keep the Volunteers off the board up until the fourth inning. 

After Stanford added two more runs in the third inning to make the score 4-0, Mathews, who it was evident didn't have his best stuff, gave up four runs in the fifth inning thanks to six singles by Tennessee. As for the Cardinal offense, they went absolutely radio silent after Tennessee put in Chase Burns to pitch. 

The hard throwing righty pitched the remaining six innings of the game after starting pitcher Chase Dollander was pulled, and was able to completely silence the Stanford lineup which is one of the better lineups from top to bottom. Burns gave up just two hits, and struck out nine Cardinal as he was able to help Tennessee secure their comeback win and survival in the College World Series. 

The Vols scored two runs in the seventh to make the score 6-4, and Stanford was unable to pull off the comeback.

The Cardinal while they have made it to Omaha the past three seasons have won just one game in those three appearances. They hold a 1-6 record with their lone win coming against Pac-12 foe Arizona. They are a combined 0-4 against SEC teams and 0-2 against programs from the ACC.

To make matters worse, the Cardinal's pitching issues have been something that has plagued them throughout each season. According to a release by the program, Stanford is the only team in Charles Schwab Field Omaha history to lose multiple MCWS games after leading by four or more runs. Stanford also lost to Vanderbilt in 2021 after leading by four. While this team continues to produce power hitters up and down the lineup, it has been their pitching staff unable to carry their own weight.

In 2024, Stanford will look to return to Omaha for a fourth straight time, and maybe win their first game at the College World Series since 2021.