Tennessee baseball player Stone Lawless was hit in the face by a pitch, which silenced the crowd at Hawkins Field and paused the Vols’ game against Vanderbilt on March 29.

According to a UT spokesperson, Lawless went to the hospital to be evaluated for facial injuries. He was alert and coherent.

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In the top of the third inning, with two runners on base and no outs, Vanderbilt pitcher Alex Kranzler lost control of a pitch. It sailed up and in toward Lawless’ face. It appeared to strike Lawless around the left eye and nose.

Lawless was motionless on the ground for a few moments. Once he sat up, athletic trainers attended to an injury on his face. He was helped to the dugout by medical staff.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt pitcher Wyatt Nadeau (88) throws to a Tennessee batter during the first inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt pitcher Wyatt Nadeau (88) throws to a Tennessee batter during the first inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Tennessee third baseman Henry Ford (9) throws out Vanderbilt’s Chris Maldonado a first base during the second inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt’s Brodie Johnston (9) forces out Tennessee’s Levi Clark (16) at second base as he turns a double play during the third inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt pitcher Wyatt Nadeau (88) looks to the Tennessee dugout after striking out the side during the fourth inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt’s Rustan Rigdon (19) scores after a double hit by Chris Maldonado (8) off Tennessee pitcher Landon Mack (18) during the fourth inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt’s Ryker Waite (51) is congratulated by coach Tim Corbin after hitting two-run home run during the fourth inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

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Photos: Vanderbilt baseball takes on Tennessee in SEC play

Vanderbilt’s Ryker Waite (51) celebrate with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a NCAA baseball game at Hawkins Field on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Lawless is UT’s regular catcher, but he’s the designated hitter in this third game of the series. Hunter High replaced Lawless as the pinch runner.

It was Kranzler’s last pitch of the game. He allowed six runs (three earned) and hit two batters in two innings.

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Adam Sparks is the Tennessee beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Stone Lawless, Tennessee baseball player hit in face by pitch vs Vanderbilt