KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Powered by an eight-run explosion in the fifth inning, top-ranked Tennessee evened its super regional series against No. 6/17 Notre Dame with a convincing 12-4 victory on Saturday afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Sunday.
The Big Orange blasted four long balls in that decisive fifth inning, including a pair from Luc Lipcius and another from Evan Russell, who both now sit tied atop UT’s career home runs list with 39 apiece.
Lipcius paced the Vols’ attack with a monster day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBIs to go along with his two homers. Seth Stephenson and Jordan Beck also had multiple hits on the day, finishing with two each. Stephenson scored three runs while Beck drove in three with a blast over the porches in left field to put UT ahead 5-0, which ended up being the game-winning hit.
Sophomore starter Chase Dollander was back to his normal self on the mound, turning in an outstanding outing with seven strong innings of work. The Georgia native allowed just two runs (both earned) on five hits and no walks while striking out five to earn the win and improve to 10-0 on the year.
After having to battle from behind in each of its last three games, Tennessee (57-8) struck first on Saturday, plating a run in the top of the first. Stephenson led off the game with a single to center field and came all the way around to score on a double by Trey Lipscomb three batters later.
Neither team was able to scratch a run across over the next three innings before UT’s offensive outburst in top of the fifth. The Fighting Irish (39-15) got on the board with runs in the fifth and sixth innings to cut their deficit to seven, but the Vols responded with a three-spot in the seventh to ice the game away.
A two-run homer by Jack Zyska in the bottom of the eighth accounted for the final scoring. The senior left fielder was the lone bright spot for the Irish, going 4-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs.
UP NEXT: UT and Notre Dame square off in a do-or-die game three on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET with a spot in Omaha on the line. Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on ESPN.
NOTABLE
HOME RUN DERBY: Tennessee’s bats put on a show in its eight-run fifth inning, hammering four home runs in the frame. It marked the sixth time this season that the Vols have hit three or more homers in an inning and the second time this year with a four-homer inning (Bot. 8 vs. Auburn on April 29).
DOE IS 10-0: By picking up the win, Chase Dollander remained perfect record-wise on the year, improving to 10-0 on the year. The last SEC pitcher to start a season 10-0 was Arkansas’ Blaine Knight in 2018.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Powered by an eight-run explosion in the fifth inning, top-ranked Tennessee evened its super regional series against No. 6/17 Notre Dame with a convincing 12-4 victory on Saturday afternoon at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, forcing a winner-take-all game three on Sunday.
The Big Orange blasted four long balls in that decisive fifth inning, including a pair from Luc Lipcius and another from Evan Russell, who both now sit tied atop UT’s career home runs list with 39 apiece.
Lipcius paced the Vols’ attack with a monster day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBIs to go along with his two homers. Seth Stephenson and Jordan Beck also had multiple hits on the day, finishing with two each. Stephenson scored three runs while Beck drove in three with a blast over the porches in left field to put UT ahead 5-0, which ended up being the game-winning hit.
Sophomore starter Chase Dollander was back to his normal self on the mound, turning in an outstanding outing with seven strong innings of work. The Georgia native allowed just two runs (both earned) on five hits and no walks while striking out five to earn the win and improve to 10-0 on the year.
After having to battle from behind in each of its last three games, Tennessee (57-8) struck first on Saturday, plating a run in the top of the first. Stephenson led off the game with a single to center field and came all the way around to score on a double by Trey Lipscomb three batters later.
Neither team was able to scratch a run across over the next three innings before UT’s offensive outburst in top of the fifth. The Fighting Irish (39-15) got on the board with runs in the fifth and sixth innings to cut their deficit to seven, but the Vols responded with a three-spot in the seventh to ice the game away.
A two-run homer by Jack Zyska in the bottom of the eighth accounted for the final scoring. The senior left fielder was the lone bright spot for the Irish, going 4-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs.
UP NEXT: UT and Notre Dame square off in a do-or-die game three on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET with a spot in Omaha on the line. Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on ESPN.
NOTABLE
HOME RUN DERBY: Tennessee’s bats put on a show in its eight-run fifth inning, hammering four home runs in the frame. It marked the sixth time this season that the Vols have hit three or more homers in an inning and the second time this year with a four-homer inning (Bot. 8 vs. Auburn on April 29).
DOE IS 10-0: By picking up the win, Chase Dollander remained perfect record-wise on the year, improving to 10-0 on the year. The last SEC pitcher to start a season 10-0 was Arkansas’ Blaine Knight in 2018.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 1/1 Tennessee had its 11-game win streak snapped by No. 6/17 Notre Dame in game one of the NCAA Knoxville Super Regional, falling 8-6 on Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The Fighting Irish (39-14) came out swinging, scoring runs in each of the first four innings to race out to a big lead. All eight of Notre Dame’s runs came via the long ball, as the Irish went deep four times on the night.
After falling behind 8-1, the Volunteers (56-8) chipped away with runs in four of the final six innings, scoring five unanswered to narrow the gap and get within striking distance, but ultimately came up just short.
The trio if Jordan Beck, Trey Lipscomb and Jorel Ortega led the way offensively with two hits apiece while also combining for four runs, six RBIs and three home runs – all solo shots. Despite solid offensive numbers from the aforementioned players, UT struggled mightily at the plate with runners on base, finish the night 1-for-16 with runners on and 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Ben Joyce, Wyatt Evans and Camden Sewell were all solid in relief, holding the hot bats of Notre Dame scoreless over the final 5.1 innings of the game to keep Tennessee in the game. Joyce was the most impressive of the bunch, punching out five batters while allowing just two hits in 3.1 innings of work.
Four players had multiple hits for the Fighting Irish, led by a 3-for-4 performance from Jared Miller. Jack Brannigan added two hits and led the team with three RBIs.
Right-hander Alex Rao picked up the win for the Irish after 3.2 innings of relief of starter Austin Temple. Freshman lefty Jack Findlay secured his third save of the season after allowing one run but striking out three over the final two innings.
UP NEXT: Tennessee will look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon with its season on the line. First pitch for Saturday’s contest is slated for 2:06 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. The Big Orange must win in order to keep their season alive, while a victory for the Irish would send them to Omaha for the College World Series.
NOTABLE
STREAKS ENDED: Friday’s loss snapped an 11-game win streak for the Vols and was also the program’s first-ever loss in a super-regional game. UT entered the contest with a perfect 6-0 record in its three previous NCAA super regional appearances (2001, 2005, 2021).
BOUNCE BACK NEEDED: Tennessee is 3-2 following a loss this season and 1-1 in three-game series when dropping the opening game (won series vs. Alabama / lost series at Kentucky).
Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello, third baseman Trey Lipscomb and right handed pitcher Ben Joyce spoke to the media Friday after Game 1 of the Super Regionals, a 8-6 loss to Notre Dame.
Vols HC Tony Vitello, 3B Trey Lipscomb and RHP Ben Joyce / Credit: UT Athletics
Ray Fulcher‘s debut album, Spray Painted Line, is out now!
Ray talks about when he first had the dream of making music, “All I’ve ever wanted to do since the night I saw Eric Church play for the first time when I was 19…was to sing and play country music. I’ll never forget the moment this dream was placed in my heart. It was like everything I’d ever known was turned upside down right there inside of Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA…and I had finally found the true north on my compass.”
Even before Ray’s debut album Spray Painted Line arrived, he’s been on an incredible country music adventure, “My journey has been filled with extreme highs. I’ve written number 1 songs…I’ve been on tour with one of my best friends in the world on one of biggest tours in the world…I’ve played my dream venue the Grand Ole Opry…I’ve met and worked with some of my heroes…I’ve made friends who will forever be like family to me. I’ve made art that I’m really damn proud of. I’ve cried happy tears. I’ve also faced some really low lows. BUT, through it all…the dream lived on. The fight was still there. The burning desire to move people the way I was moved that night standing there jaw-dropped when I heard ‘Lightning’ was never shaken. All of that…has led to this. My debut album.”
Now that his debut project is out, Ray has a message for everyone out there, “To all the fans, listeners, and future listeners of this album…my hope is that you truly take a deep dive in. I hope you find yourself in it, I hope you get lost in it, I hope you heal, I hope you laugh, I hope you call up a long lost friend, I hope you cry if that’s what you need in the moment. I hope you know that every single word is for YOU and was written with you in mind. I hope that some song or some line or some melody makes your life better in some way or to be the soundtrack to your best days or your worst days. This album isn’t about me, it’s about you.”
Ray also has something he wants to say to his family and friends, “To my mom, dad, my sister, my friends and other family, my band, the songwriters I get to work with everyday, my Nashville community, everyone else on my team, those who are no longer with me either in Heaven or somewhere else along your path here on Earth…the impact you’ve made on me are in the words of these songs. Thank you for moving me, thank you for being the only inspiration I could ever need.”
Ray continues, “We are still just beginning. We named the album ‘Spray Painted Line’ not just because it’s the first lyric in the first song, but because in that song, the spray painted line is the starting point for a race. In many ways, this is that for me. A foundation, a green flag, a first chapter, a place to burn rubber down the first straight away. It’s been years in the making…and I can honestly say I’m really proud of it.”
Spray Painted Line track list,
1. “All Gas No Brakes” 2. “Sellin’ Cars” 3. “Anything Like You Dance” 4. “Girl In It” 5. “If You Like Your Boys Like That” 6. “John Wayne” 7. “Compliment” 8. “After The Rain” 9. “Life Changing Money” 10. “So Far So Bad” 11. “Bucket List Beers” 12. “The Battle Of Betty’s Love” 13. “Damn If It Didn’t Hurt” 14. “Love Ya Son, Go Dawgs” 15. “Hearts To Break” 16. “Way Out” 17. “Sorry, Heart”
Ray finishes with, “To anyone who’s reading this…you’ve made every single up and down to this point worth it. Thank you for allowing an ol boy like me to live out a dream. Dig in. Enjoy. Turn it up to eleven. See ya for round 2”
Ray Fulcher’s Spray Painted Line is available now…
Jillian released her first song, “Overdue,” in 2014.
And now after several singles, a few EPs, and years of playing shows – Jillian is releasing her first full-length album.
Jillian says, “From track 1 to track 11, I’ve tried to tell my story. It’s an honor to share it with you now. I hope you love it. Thank you for listening.”
The 11-track project includes Charlie Worsham on the song “The Ocean.”
Honestly from Jillian Jacqueline also includes her single “Better With A Broken Heart” which features JT Osborne.
Fans will get to see Jillian perform her new songs live and in person when she hits the road with Cam on The Otherside 2022 tour.
Jacqueline shares, “I’M GOING ON TOUR! I have been such a fan of Cam for years, so this is such a dream for me. I’m so inspired by her artistry and couldn’t be more excited to be part of these shows with someone I respect and admire both musically and personally. After waiting so long to play shows again, I’m already emotional just thinking about sharing these nights with all of you. Get your tickets before they’re gone. This is going to be a wildly special run of shows.”
Jillian Jacqueline’s full-length album Honestly is available now – for more info…head to her WEBSITE
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With a trip to the 2022 College World Series on the line, the top-seeded Tennessee Volunteers welcome Notre Dame to Lindsey Nelson Stadium for the NCAA Knoxville Super Regional.
The Volunteers are looking to punch their ticket to a second consecutive College World Series and need to win two games in the series to do so.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
For the most updated gameday information related to Tennessee baseball, please visit our Gameday Central page by clicking HERE. The baseball Gameday Central page contains info in regard to tickets, parking, stadium policies and more.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for this weekend’s regional are sold out. A limited number of standing room only tickets will be made available at the Lindsey Nelson Stadium ticket office 90 minutes prior to each session.
PARKING INFORMATION & ROAD CLOSURES
In an effort to eliminate heavy traffic and promote a safe environment for all fans and staff attending this weekend’s regional, road closures will be in effect for the duration of the tournament. Closures will go into effect at 8 a.m. ET on Friday, June 3, and can only be accessed with a valid NCAA parking pass.
Chamique Holdsclaw Dr. and Todd Helton Dr. will be closed from the intersection of Chamique Holdsclaw Dr. and Lake Loudon Blvd. to Todd Helton Dr. and the entrance of lot GF4.
Pat Head Summitt St. will also be closed after the entrance to G16 Garage. Fan parking will be located in the following areas: S23 behind the Haslam School of Music – as well as C8, C6, C22 and G16. Additional street parking is located along West Volunteer Blvd. Please plan to use alternative lots as needed during this event.
An updated parking map for this weekend can be seen HERE (PDF).
BROADCAST INFO
The whole weekend will be broadcast with Tom Hart (PxP) and Kyle Peterson (analyst) on the call. Friday’s series opener will be broadcast on ESPN2 while Saturday’s contest will appear on the flagship ESPN channel. Sunday’s if necessary game will have a channel determined if needed, based on the results of Games 1 and 2.
The online broadcasts can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.
Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara call the game on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
New Vol Network Radio Affiliates
The Vol Network had added multiple radio affiliates to broadcast remaining Tennessee baseball SEC games this season. The complete list of new affiliates is below. Please check your local listings prior to each weekend to see which games will be broadcast on each station.
Bristol: WOPI (FM 98.1, AM 1490) Camden: WRJB (FM 95.9) Chattanooga: WFLI (FM 97.7, FM 100.3, AM 1070) Cleveland: The Buzz (FM 101.3) Cookeville: WKXD (FM 104.7) Johnson City: WKPT (FM 94.3, AM 1590) Kingsport: WKTP (FM 97.7, AM 1400) Lawrenceburg: WWLX (FM 106.1, FM 93.1, AM 590) Muscle Shoals, Ala.: WSBM (FM 97.9, AM 1340) Nashville: WGFX (FM 104.5 The Zone) Oneida: WBNT (FM 105.5) Pulaski: WKSR (FM 107.7, FM 100.9, AM 1420) Wartburg: WECO (FM 101.3)
WEEKEND SCHEDULE/PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
Game 1 – Friday, May 10 (6 p.m.) RHP Blade Tidwell (3-1, 2.00 ERA) vs. RHP Austin Temple (4-1, 3.46 ERA)
Game 2 – Saturday, May 11 (2 p.m.) RHP Chase Dollander (9-0, 2.38 ERA) vs. LHP John Michael Bertrand (9-2, 2.27 ERA)
Game 3 – Sunday, May 12 (TBD) TBD vs. TBD
SERIES HISTORY
Overall: Tennessee leads, 4-2 in Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 3-1 in South Bend: N/A at Neutral Sites: Series tied, 1-1 Last Meeting: L, 3-2 on March 1, 2013 (Cary, N.C.)
Tennessee will host Notre Dame in Knoxville for the first time since 1966. In the ’66 season, the Vols pulled off a doubleheader sweep of ND in a pair of seven-inning contests.
NOTABLE
HOME SWEET HOME TO ME Tennessee has won its last 12 NCAA postseason games in Knoxville, its last postseason loss on Rocky Top came back in 2001 when it fell to Wake Forest in the first regional final, 10-3. In its last 19 NCAA postseason games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, the Vols are 18-1, dating back to 1995 –the year UT made its second Omaha appearance. The Vols started 4-4 at home NCAA postseason games prior to the 1995 season.
KEEP IT ROLLING The Volunteers have never lost a Super Regional game since the format first took place in 1999. Tennessee is 6-0 in that span.
POSTSEASON HONORS Tennessee has amassed a number of impressive postseason accolades, both in the SEC and nationally:
Dick Howser Trophy Finalist – Trey Lipscomb Collegiate Baseball National Co-Freshman of the Year – Chase Burns NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist – Redmond Walsh SEC Coach of the Year – Tony Vitello SEC Pitcher of the Year – Chase Dollander SEC Freshman of the Year – Drew Beam SEC Tournament MVP – Drew Gilbert NCAA Knoxville Regional MOP – Jorel Ortega Collegiate Baseball All-America Teams
Gameday promotions for all Tennessee athletics home events can be found on the UT Fan Experience page by clicking HERE.
Fans are encouraged to download the My All App for their phones and devices this season. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and will allow fans to participate in in-game trivia, the custom filter selfie cam and more throughout the year.
Big Orange Watch Party
Tennessee athletics will host a Big Orange Watch Party for this weekend’s NCAA Knoxville Super Regional games against Notre Dame.
The watch party will be located in the green space just beyond the outfield wall down the right-field line of Lindsey Nelson Stadium between the GF1 and GF2 parking lots. CLICK HERE (PDF) for a map showing the location.
The new location for this year’s watch party is due to the current construction of Haslam Field as well as the street closure of Pat Head Summitt Street to create the extended concourse for ticketed fans.
This weekend’s watch party will feature a live big-screen game broadcast, tailgate games, a pep rally with the Tennessee Spirit Squads, DJ Sterl the Pearl, food trucks, face painting, a VolShop merchandise stand and more.
More details for the watch party are listed below:
Begins 90 minutes prior to first pitch each day
Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday TBD (If necessary)
Free Admission
Chairs, blankets, etc. will be permitted. Coolers, glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited.
Parking Info for Big Orange Watch Party
Fans attending the Big Orange Watch Party are encouraged to park for free in the G-7 Garage located at 2401 Volunteer Blvd. and walk down Volunteer Boulevard to Todd Helton Drive to access the watch party.
Additional parking will be located in lots GF5 – GF9 located on Fraternity Park Drive, which are located off of Volunteer Boulevard. Fans parking on Fraternity Park Drive may use the sidewalk between Sigma Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Phi to access the watch party.
ON DECK
Should Tennessee win the Knoxville Super Regional, it would advance to the 2022 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska beginning the following weekend.
DALLAS – Tennessee senior third baseman Trey Lipscomb was one of five finalists named for the 35th Dick Howser Trophy, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced on Thursday.
The Dick Howser Trophy, presented by The Game Headwear, is given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager, who died of brain cancer in 1987. It is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration of the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.
Lipscomb is the first Vol to be named a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy since UT legend Chris Burke in 2001. Todd Helton is the only Tennessee player to ever win the award, doing so in 1995. Luke Hochevar was a semifinalist for the award back in 2005.
Lipscomb, a first-team All-SEC selection, has had a breakout senior season for the Big Orange, setting career highs in every offensive category while leading the SEC and ranking sixth in the country with 80 RBIs heading into this weekend’s super regional. The Maryland native is slashing .363/.438/.726 and ranks top 25 nationally with 21 home runs, as well.
Joining Lipscomb as finalists are Oregon State starting pitcher Connor Hjerpe, Texas first baseman Ivan Melendez, Georgia Tech catcher Kevin Parada and Clemson third baseman Max Wagner.
The winner will be announced on Friday, June 17, on the MLB Network during the 10 a.m. ET hour and at a national news conference at 11 a.m. ET in the media room at Charles Schwab Field Omaha prior to the 75th NCAA College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Country Daily contributor Kenzie is taking on CMA Music Fest 2022.
As she bounces around events Kenzie will be sharing her music fest experience.
Check out Kenzie’s day 1 recap…
“Day 1 is officially in the books! It was quite a bit slower downtown than I’d expected when we first arrived at The Ryman for BMI’s CMA Fest Block Party, but things picked up quickly as more fans started arriving. There were plenty of drinks to go around, and an appearance by Daddy’s Dogs (if you’re in Nashville, this is a must). The stage featured some of country’s newer faces, like Kenton Bryant and Camille Parker – this party rolls all week long, so if you need a chill place to grab a drink and a snack, definitely make a stop!”
“From there, we made our way to North Gulch for a Fan Party for Zac Brown Band hosted by Warner Music Nashville. It was held at Nightscapes, an intimate immersive experience that projected visuals on the walls, the scenes changing to correlate with the songs that Zac was explaining. He was joined by the producer of The Comeback, Ben Simonetti, and Warner’s EVP of A&R, Cris Lacy. There were ZBB-themed cocktails (like the GA Clay & Slow Burn), and video content being projected on every wall of the room. During the panel, they shared insights into the making of the project, and that there is a deluxe version of the The Comeback in the works!“
“As the day progressed, we made our way to the Gibson Garage, which is a beautifully curated shop showcasing some of Gibson’s most beloved guitars (and some super cool merch). While there, fans have the opportunity to draw a guitar pick from a bag – if you select one of the colorful picks, there are TONS of prizes to win (like you could be taking home your very own guitar)! One of my friends drew a pick that gave us the chance to tour Gibson’s vault, where we got to see some of the manufacturer’s original designs, templates, and historically significant guitars from their collection. That is something I truly will never forget! They’ll have performances in Garage all weekend, so be sure to swing by and check them out.”
“After a bite to eat, I made my way to Nissan Stadium for the first night of performances. The energy showcased truly how excited fans were to be back with live music! The show was packed with special moments – the first night saw Brittney Spencer sing the National Anthem, and what followed was hit, after hit, after hit from Shenandoah, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band.”
“There were some super special moments – like Zac being joined by Marcus King, and Priscilla Block had a beautiful full-circle moment on the spotlight stage. It was an incredible night 1 – I’m off to do it all over again tonight!”
DALLAS – Tennessee veteran reliever Redmond Walsh was one of 10 finalists named for the Stopper of the Year Award by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) on Wednesday afternoon.
The graduate student has been included on the award’s preseason watch list in each of the past three seasons, but this marks his first time as a finalist for the prestigious honor that is presented annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher.
The Stopper of the Year recipient will be announced via a news conference on Friday, June 17, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
Walsh has had yet another standout season on the mound for the Vols, leading the team with seven saves, bringing his career total to 23, which is tied with UT legend Todd Helton for the most in program history.
The Louisville, Tennessee, native has a career ERA of 1.95, which ranks second best among active Division I players. This season, Walsh has posted a 4-1 record and 2.58 ERA in 26 appearances, all in relief, and has totaled 39 strikeouts while issuing just 10 walks in 38.1 innings of work.
To learn more about the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award and all 10 of this year’s finalists, click HERE.
Walsh and the Vols host Notre Dame for the NCAA Knoxville Super Regional this weekend at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch for game one is slated for 6 p.m. on Friday. Winner of the series will advance to Omaha to take part in the 2022 College World Series.
