Tennessee baseball picked up an impressive series victory over the weekend, taking two of three games against then-No. 4 Texas at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Vols took care of business with two commanding victories in the first two games of the series before dropping Sunday’s series finale.
Entering the final week of the regular season, Tennessee boasts a 34-18 (13-14 SEC) record and sits in a strong spot to make the NCAA Tournament. Here’s four takeaways on the series finale victory.
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Tennessee’s Offense Has Turned A Corner
For most of this season, Tennessee’s offense has underachieved and been the biggest reason for the team’s shortcomings. But over the last 4-6 weeks, the Vols’ offense has shown steady improvements.
Tennessee’s bats were consistent all weekend against Texas, scoring at least five runs in every game and scoring a combined 25 runs in the three games series. The Vols’ offense had success against one of the nation’s best pitchers and responded to early deficits in the final two games of the series.
The Vols 25 runs were their second most in a SEC series behind only their 29 runs against Alabama two weeks prior. Trent Grindlinger has proved he’s a legit middle of the order bat while Reese Chapman and Blake Grimmer are consistent left-handed threats hitting in the two and five spots.
This offense still isn’t perfect, as was evident at Kentucky, but the group has proved to be a strength the back half of SEC play.
Henry Ford Can Take Tennessee’s Offense To Another Level
While Tennessee’s offense is turning the corner and had a strong weekend, there’s reason to believe this group can be even better. Star Henry Ford had a rough weekend at the plate, hitting just one-for-13 with one walk.
Ford’s pedigree is as strong as any other player on Tennessee’s roster but has had a streaky season. He lost weight due to an extended illness earlier this season, but had shown signs of his old self in the weeks leading up to the Texas series.
When he’s rolling, Ford is a middle of the order bat that opposing teams have to fear. Combine that with the steadiness of Garrett Wright, Grimmer, Chapman and Grindlinger and Tennessee has a really strong top half of its lineup.
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Defense Continues To Be A Strength
One of the biggest moments of the series came in the fifth inning of game two when a Texas throwing errors allowed two Tennessee runs to score and sparked a three-run inning that opened the game up.
Put that up against the Vols who did not commit a single error in the three-game series. It’s been an overlooked strength of this Tennessee team. Over the course of the season, the Vols’ .986 fielding percentage is tied for the best mark nationally.
Tennessee has been even better in SEC play where they have posted a .988 fielding percentage. The Vols have committed just 11 errors in conference play while their opponents have committed 22 errors.
Defense was often a weakness during Tony Vitello’s tenure. Josh Elander made playing improved defense a point of emphasis all preseason and the Vols have been stout there.
Tennessee Does Not Have The Pitching To Survive An Extended Landon Mack Absence
There was some bad news amidst a good weekend for Tennessee. The Vols scratched Landon Mack from his scheduled Sunday start due to right arm soreness.
Even with Mack healthy, Tennessee was already short on reliable pitchers. Taking away Mack makes it very difficult to get through a three-game series. That was evident on Sunday when the Vols had just one reliable pitcher available entering the game and promptly gave up 13 runs while walking 10 batters.
With Cam Appenzeller continuing to struggle, Tennessee badly needs Mack healthy entering the NCAA Tournament.
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