Tennessee baseball is back in action this weekend when they host Alabama in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Crimson Tide looked like one of the SEC’s best teams a few weeks ago but has struggled since. Tennessee is fighting for its NCAA Tournament hopes.
Here’s how to watch the three games and more details on the SEC weekend series in Knoxville.
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How To Watch: Tennessee baseball (27-14, 8-10 SEC) vs. No. 13 Alabama (28-14, 10-8 SEC)
Game one: 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 23
Announcers — PxP: Dave Neal, CC: Chris Burke
Watch: ESPN2
Game two: 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24
Announcers — PxP: Cruz Martin, CC: Cody Hawn
Watch: SEC Network+
Game three: 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 25
Announcers — PxP: Cruz Martin, CC: Cody Hawn
Watch: SEC Network+
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Weather Could Impact The Series
It’s the first of two Thursday through Saturday series of the season for Tennessee baseball, and inclement weather could push up the series even more.
As of the time of publication, forecasts show potential inclement weather in Knoxville for Saturday. There is projected rain on Saturday morning and storms on Saturday night.
If Tennessee and Alabama have to play a Friday doubleheader that could affect the pitching staffs for both teams already on short rest.
Projected Starting Pitching
Thursday:
Vols RHP Landon Mack (3-3, 4.39 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 53.1 IP, 69 K, 19 BB) vs. Crimson Tide RHP Tyler Fay (6-3, 4.50 ERA, 1.034 WHIP, 65 K, 14 BB)
Friday:
Vols RHP Tegan Kuhns (2-3, 3.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 51 IP, 64 K, 10 BB) vs. Crimson Tide LHP Zane Adams (4-2, 3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 54 IP, 59 K, 15 BB)
Sunday:
Vols LHP Evan Blanco (4-2, 3.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 55 IP, 66 K, 19 BB) vs. Crimson Tide RHP Myles Upchurch (5-2, 3.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 50 K, 28 BB)
Alabama Has Been Struggling As Of Late
When Alabama defeated Oklahoma in a three-game series three weekends ago, they improved to 9-3 in SEC play and looked like a true SEC title contender this season.
But things have gone sideways since then. Arkansas swept Alabama in Tuscaloosa two weeks ago before Texas took two of three over the Crimson Tide in Austin. Now both of those teams are better SEC opponents but it is still not a strong showing.
Alabama also dropped its midweek matchup against UAB, 11-2, earlier this week. The Crimson Tide’s offense has been particularly shaky, scoring just six runs in their last four games.
A Quick Prediction
Both offenses have been shaky entering this season. This has the makings of low scoring games where taking advantage of scoring opportunities will be particularly important.
Tennessee needs this series. Five more SEC wins likely gets them in the NCAA Tournament while six SEC wins guarantees a tournament appearance. With a series win this weekend, Tennessee would need to just avoid a free fall to make the tournament. Things remain a bit dicey without a series victory.
The Vols get it done in a tight series.
Tennessee wins two of three games
