Two Tennessee baseball players earned SEC weekly honors for their performances in the Vols’ series victory against Alabama over the weekend. Right-handed pitcher Tegan Kuhns is the SEC Pitcher of the Week while designated hitter Trent Grindlinger is the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.
Kuhns turned in the best start of his college career in the Vols’ game two win against Alabama. The sophomore threw an eight inning complete-game shutout, allowing just four total baserunners while tying his previous SEC-high with nine strikeouts.
With Tennessee using two of its top arms in Thursday night’s series opening loss against the Crimson Tide, the Vols badly needed Kuhns to pitch deep into game one of Friday’s doubleheader. He got them to the finish like in the 10-0 victory.
“His breaking ball was really good today,” Tennessee head coach Josh Elander said. “We won two games today because of Tegan Kuhns and what he gave us in that first game, and his competitiveness. … All the credit goes to him because he was phenomenal for us today.”
After a disappointing weekend against Ole Miss, Grindlinger bounced back with a monster three games against the Crimson Tide.
More From RTI: Former Tennessee Pitcher Cracks Top 10 in MLB Strikeout Leaders After Three Huge Showings
Grindlinger totaled seven hits including two home runs and a double while driving in five runs. The California native reached base safely in 10 of his 15 plate appearances while striking out just once in the three-game series.
“Just what he’s doing is rare right now,” Elander said. “He crushed that ball to center field, and he’s taking some really good swings. … A lot of times the moment – shout out to our crowd, they were amazing getting on their feet, putting some more pressure on Alabama right there in a big moment – but does a good job taking a deep breath, slowing down, ‘Hey, what is the task? What am I trying to do here?’ He’s a really good player for us.”
Grindlinger split Freshman of the Week honors Auburn’s Ethan Bingaman. He went 6-for-12 at the plate while hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs in the Tigers’ 14-4 series finale win over Oklahoma.
Tennessee is back in action on Tuesday night when they wrap up a nine-game home stand against West Georgia. The Vols then head on the road next weekend when they face Kentucky in a three-game series at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington.
