KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee baseball opened the weekend series with a big win over Arkansas.

The Vols were hot at the plate, while their pitching staff managed to navigate through several jams, keeping the Razorbacks' potential comeback at bay.

Head coach Tony Vitello described the victory as a "true team effort." But there was extra motivation behind the win.

Former Tennessee pitcher Chad Dallas, who played for the Vols from 2020 to 2021, lost his father, Tony Dallas, to ALS earlier this week.

Vitello explained that honoring the Dallas family was the team's inspiration for the night.

"We wanted to dedicate tonight's game -- and hopefully a great effort and a win -- to Tony Dallas, who suffered from ALS and passed away," Vitello said. "Chad Dallas was his son. Typically, he pitched for us on Friday nights or Thursday for game one. And I don't know that we've had a better teammate than that kid since we've been here."

After his time at UT, Chad Dallas was selected in the Fourth Round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and is currently playing for the Buffalo Bisons, the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate.

Tony Dallas remained a strong supporter of Tennessee baseball even after his son was drafted. On his "X" account, he reposted Tennessee baseball content frequently, showing his continued connection to the team.

Tennessee will face Arkansas again Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Fayetteville. The game will air on the SEC Network.