Tennessee baseball picked up its third series victory in SEC play this season by defeating Alabama in a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium this season.
The Vols turned in one of their worst performances of the season in Thursday night’s 12-8 series-opening loss against the Crimson Tide. Tennessee’s offense turned in a strong performance but Volunteer pitchers combined to walk 10 batters and hit six more in the loss.
But Tennessee turned in an impressive response, sweeping Friday’s doubleheader to take the weekend series. Tegan Kuhns tossed an eight inning complete-game shutout as Tennessee run-ruled Alabama 10-0 in game two of the series. Kuhns allowed just four total baserunners while striking out nine.
Evan Blanco provided another quality start in the series finale while Tennessee’s offense used a seven-run sixth inning to take control in the 11-4 series-finale victory.
Both Blaine Brown and Trent Grindlinger turned in massive weekends at the plate, reaching base 17 total times while hitting four home runs, two doubles and nine RBIs.
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Is Tennessee ranked following the ranked series victory? The Vols jumped back into the Baseball America rankings at No. 24 following the series victory, but remain unranked in the four other major outlets. Tennessee did receive votes in both the USA Today Coaches Poll and in the NCBWA Poll.
Entering Tuesday night’s matchup against West Georgia, the Vols boast a 29-15 (10-11 SEC) record. Tennessee has three SEC series remaining and likely needs just three wins to secure a NCAA Tournament appearance.
Tennessee is currently tied with rivals Alabama and Vanderbilt in 10th place in the SEC standings. The Vols are just a game back of Arkansas, Florida, Ole Miss and Oklahoma who are all 11-10 in SEC play.
Josh Elander’s first Tennessee team is back in action this weekend when they travel to Lexington to face Kentucky in a three-game series. The Wildcats are currently 9-12 in SEC play entering this weekend’s series.
