Baseball Preview: #1 Vols Conclude Home Regular Season with Belmont

Baseball Preview: #1 Vols Conclude Home Regular Season with Belmont

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Top-ranked Tennessee concludes its home regular season schedule on Tuesday facing Belmont at 6 p.m. at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Vols are looking for their 13th midweek victory of the season on Tuesday. A win would mark the second-highest total in a single season since 2001.

Prior to the game, Tennessee will honor its seniors for their accomplishments and time spent with the program.

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

Season and single-game tickets for the final game of the year are SOLD OUT. Limited standing room only tickets will go on sale for all games 90 minutes prior to first pitch at the Lindsey Nelson Stadium ticket office.

Single-game tickets for all games can also be purchased through Vivid Seats, the exclusive resale marketplace for Tennessee Athletics, by clicking HERE.

In order to keep Lindsey Nelson Stadium as full as possible, we are encouraging season ticket holders who are unable to use their tickets for a game(s) to either transfer your tickets to someone else (Instructions HERE).

BROADCAST INFO

Tuesday’s game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app with Andy Brock (PxP) calling the action. 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.

PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS

LHP Zander Sechrist (4-0, 1.62 ERA) vs. RHP Jordan Zuger (2-1, 3.03 ERA)

SERIES HISTORY

Overall: Tennessee leads, 12-4
in Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 11-4
in Nashville: Tennessee leads, 1-0
at Neutral Sites: N/A
Last 10 Meetings: Tennessee leads, 9-1
 
Tennessee is seeking its eighth consecutive victory over the Bruins. The two sides have played each other the last seven seasons (not counting the COVID-shortened year) and Tennessee has taken each meeting. In six of the last seven meetings, the Vols have allowed 3 or fewer Belmont runs.

NOTABLE

Swinging Hard
Totaling the combined home runs hit by Trey LipscombJordan BeckJorel Ortega and Luc Lipcius (58), would rank 77th nationally, ahead of 212 teams.
 
Vols on the (Rocky) Top
Tennessee regained its position as the unanimous No. 1-ranked team in the country Monday. It marks the seventh week this season UT has been the top-ranked squad in all major polls.

OPPONENT SCOUT

Bellarmine Knights

  • Record: 35-17 (16-5 OVC)
  • 2021 Postseason: N/A
  • 2022 OVC Preseason Poll: 5th
  • Head Coach: Dave Jarvis (25th year)
  •  Preseason Conference Honors:
    • 3B Logan Jarvis (1st team)
    • OF John Behrends (1st team)
    • SP Andy Bean (1st team)
    • SP Joshua South (1st team)
  •  Stat Leaders:
    • Batting Avg: Guy Lipscomb (.399)
    • Runs: Guy Lipscomb (50)
    • Hits: Guy Lipscomb (75)
    • Home Runs: Heaton/Crider (11)
    • RBI: Brodey Heaton (51)
    • Stolen Bases: Guy Lipscomb (38)
    • Wins: Andy Bean (9)
    • Saves: Kyle Brennan (14)
    • ERA (min. 25 IP): Jordan Zuger (3.03)
    • Innings Pitched: Andy Bean (77.1)
    • Strikeouts: Joshua South (69)

GAME PROMOTIONS

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.

ON DECK

Tennessee concludes the 2022 regular season on the road facing Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss. beginning on Thursday night at 6 p.m. CT/ 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

-UT Athletics

Vols OF Seth Stephenson / Credit: UT
Tennessee, Virginia To Meet in 2023 Football Opener in Nashville

Tennessee, Virginia To Meet in 2023 Football Opener in Nashville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee returns to Music City as the Volunteers will square off against Virginia to open the 2023 college football season on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Nissan Stadium, the two programs and the Nashville Sports Council announced Monday.  

Tennessee was originally scheduled to begin the season against BYU in Provo, Utah, but this contest played in-state versus Virginia replaces that game.  

“Pivoting to play a marquee non-conference opponent in Nashville made sense for multiple reasons,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “This is a more accessible game for our fanbase. I expect that we will have a much larger contingent of fans in Nashville than would have been able to travel to Utah. Our fans also have heard me talk about the importance of finding new revenue to grow our operating budget, and playing Virginia at Nissan Stadium is an opportunity for a net-positive revenue game. I appreciate Virginia AD Carla Williams and the Nashville Sports Council for working with us to make this attractive matchup happen.”

This will be the third time that the Volunteers open a season in Nissan Stadium. Tennessee beat Bowling Green, 59-30, on Sept. 5, 2015, and topped Wyoming, 47-7, on Aug. 31, 2002. The Vols last played in Nissan Stadium in December in the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Purdue.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Vols and Cavaliers to Nashville on opening weekend of the 2023 college football season,” Nashville Sports Council President and CEO Scott Ramsey said. “Both programs have a place in Nashville Sports history, having both played in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. We look forward to hosting them along with their loyal fanbases and once again showcasing Nashville on a national stage.”

The 2023 opener will be the first meeting between the two teams since the 1991 Sugar Bowl when Tony Thompson plunged in from 1-yard out with 0:31 remaining to give Tennessee a 23-22 come-from-behind victory in New Orleans. The Vols lead the all-time series, 3-1. The other meetings occurred in Knoxville during regular seasons of 1927, 1940 and 1980.

Tennessee will serve as the designated home team for the 2023 opener. Ticket information and a kickoff time will be announced at a later date. 

-UT Athletics

Tennessee vs. Virginia / Credit UT Athletics
Tennessee, Virginia To Meet in 2023 Football Opener in Nashville

Tennessee, Virginia To Meet in 2023 Football Opener in Nashville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee returns to Music City as the Volunteers will square off against Virginia to open the 2023 college football season on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Nissan Stadium, the two programs and the Nashville Sports Council announced Monday.  

Tennessee was originally scheduled to begin the season against BYU in Provo, Utah, but this contest played in-state versus Virginia replaces that game.  

“Pivoting to play a marquee non-conference opponent in Nashville made sense for multiple reasons,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “This is a more accessible game for our fanbase. I expect that we will have a much larger contingent of fans in Nashville than would have been able to travel to Utah. Our fans also have heard me talk about the importance of finding new revenue to grow our operating budget, and playing Virginia at Nissan Stadium is an opportunity for a net-positive revenue game. I appreciate Virginia AD Carla Williams and the Nashville Sports Council for working with us to make this attractive matchup happen.”

This will be the third time that the Volunteers open a season in Nissan Stadium. Tennessee beat Bowling Green, 59-30, on Sept. 5, 2015, and topped Wyoming, 47-7, on Aug. 31, 2002. The Vols last played in Nissan Stadium in December in the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Purdue.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Vols and Cavaliers to Nashville on opening weekend of the 2023 college football season,” Nashville Sports Council President and CEO Scott Ramsey said. “Both programs have a place in Nashville Sports history, having both played in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. We look forward to hosting them along with their loyal fanbases and once again showcasing Nashville on a national stage.”

The 2023 opener will be the first meeting between the two teams since the 1991 Sugar Bowl when Tony Thompson plunged in from 1-yard out with 0:31 remaining to give Tennessee a 23-22 come-from-behind victory in New Orleans. The Vols lead the all-time series, 3-1. The other meetings occurred in Knoxville during regular seasons of 1927, 1940 and 1980.

Tennessee will serve as the designated home team for the 2023 opener. Ticket information and a kickoff time will be announced at a later date. 

-UT Athletics

Tennessee vs. Virginia / Credit UT Athletics
VFL Kenneth George Jr. Signs With Tennessee Titans

VFL Kenneth George Jr. Signs With Tennessee Titans

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – VFL defensive back Kenneth George Jr. became the seventh member of the 2021 Tennessee Volunteers to join an NFL club as he signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans.

George Jr. attended the Titans’ rookie minicamp over the weekend and impressed the organization. He reunites with secondary teammate Theo Jackson, who was selected in the sixth round by his hometown team.

Four members of the 2021 Tennessee defense have embarked on NFL careers, including second-round pick Alontae Taylor (New Orleans Saints) and fifth-round choice Matthew Butler (Las Vegas Raiders). All four participated in NFL rookie minicamps.

George Jr. played in eight games last fall, logging five tackles, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery. His fumble recovery stalled a drive at then-No. 4 Alabama. The Lafayette, Louisiana, native played in 33 career games during his four-year career, while tallying 52 tackles, one interception and 10 pass breakups.

He earned his degree from Tennessee in November 2020.

-UT Athletics

Kenneth George Jr / Credit UT Athletics
Burke Earns Co-SEC Freshman of the Week Honors

Burke Earns Co-SEC Freshman of the Week Honors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee’s Blake Burke was named Southeastern Conference Co-Freshman of the Week, this league announced Monday.

Burke is coming off a two-home run day against Georgia over the weekend and a 5-for-8 series to help the Vols clinch the SEC Regular-Season Championship.

Burke becomes the fifth UT player to earn conference freshman of the week honors this season, joining OF/C Jared Dickey (twice), RHP Chase Burns, RHP Drew Beam (twice) and UTL/DH Christian Moore. This season, the Vols have earned seven SEC Freshman of the Week nods total. From the first year of the award in 2006 up until now, Tennessee had eight honorees total.

Burke led the Volunteer offense with a .625 average against Georgia. He logged five hits, two of which were home runs in Thursday night’s series opener. He posted his first career multi-hit effort in a conference matchup, doing so in both Thursday and Friday’s contests.

The Brentwood, California, native totaled six hits on the week—three coming via long balls—as he upped his season home run total to nine, along with 23 RBIs on the year. The award marks Burke’s first collegiate honor and the 11th weekly award the Volunteers have earned in 2022.

Tennessee concludes its five-game homestand and the home regular season slate Tuesday evening as it faces Belmont at 6 p.m. on SEC Network+.
 
SEC WEEKLY HONORS THIS SEASON
SEC Player of the Week
INF Jorel Ortega – April 18
INF Trey Lipscomb – Feb. 28

SEC Pitcher of the Week
RHP Drew Beam – April 4
RHP Chase Dollander – March 28

SEC Freshman of the Week
1B/DH Blake Burke – May 16
UTL/DH Christian Moore – April 25
RHP Drew Beam – March 21 & April 4
RHP Chase Burns – March 28
OF/C Jared Dickey – Feb. 28 & March 14

-UT Athletics

Blake Burke – Vols 1B-DH / Credit UT Athletics
Versatile Five-Star Forward Julian Phillips is Headed to Rocky Top

Versatile Five-Star Forward Julian Phillips is Headed to Rocky Top

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes has added yet another five-star prospect to the Volunteers roster, as five-star forward Julian Phillips recently signed an institutional aid agreement to attend UT.

Hailing from Blythewood, South Carolina, Phillips currently attends Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. He plans to enroll at UT in June and aspires to major in Communications.

Measuring in at 6-8, 200 pounds, Phillips is the seventh five-star prospect and the fourth McDonald’s All-American to sign with Tennessee during the Barnes era.

“First of all, we love Julian and his family,” Barnes said. “He has the type of character and humility that we value in our program. Basketball-wise, his versatility and ability to impact the game in so many different ways is special. Julian is a three-level scorer, which is extremely valuable in our system. Defensively, we’re very excited about his combination of length and athleticism, as it enables him to effectively guard multiple positions. We expect Julian to blend into our current team nicely and make an immediate impact.”

In the most recent national ratings for the Class of 2022, Phillips was ranked as the nation’s No. 13 overall prospect by both ESPN and Rivals and No. 18 overall by 247 Sports.

In more than 17 minutes of action during the 2022 McDonald’s All-American game, Phillips scored nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, with three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Link Academy ascended to No. 3 in the final 2021-22 USA Today Super 25 high school basketball rankings in April after the team compiled a 33-2 record and advanced to the championship game of the prestigious GEICO National Championships.
Phillips was his team’s top scorer in the national title game, totaling 16 points (33 percent of the Lions’ team total). He was coached at Link Academy by Rodney Perry.

Before transitioning to Link Academy, Phillips was a Class 5A All-State performer for coach Zeke Washington at Blythewood High School in Blythewood, South Carolina. Prior to his junior year at Blythewood, Phillips had already earned billing as the No. 1-rated player in South Carolina and the No. 15 small forward in the nation for the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports.

Phillips played his AAU ball with Upward Stars in the adidas 3SSB Series.

A perfect fit for the Volunteers, Phillips’ parents, Kim and Chamberlain, both served with and retired from the U.S. Army, relocating from Texas to South Carolina when Phillips was in elementary school so they could train at Fort Jackson.

Phillips joins incoming freshman guard B.J. Edwards as UT’s prep signees in the Class of 2022. The Vols have also added graduate transfer guard Tyreke Key from Indiana State.

Phillips is set to become just the fifth Tennessee basketball letterman from the state of South Carolina, joining a group that includes current wing Josiah-Jordan James.

-UT Athletics

Julian Phillips / Credit UT Athletics
Lady Vols Earn No. 11 National Seed In NCAA Softball Tournament; See the full bracket

Lady Vols Earn No. 11 National Seed In NCAA Softball Tournament; See the full bracket

Tournament Bracket

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball was announced as the No. 11 national seed in the 2022 NCAA Softball Tournament Sunday night when the bracket was revealed on ESPN2. The Lady Vols will play host to the NCAA Knoxville Regional for the 17th consecutive season.

UT is set to welcome Ohio State, Oregon State and Campbell to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium for the NCAA Knoxville Regional this weekend from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22. The four-team event will be double-elimination with the winner moving on to the NCAA Super Regional round.

Tickets for the 2022 Knoxville Regional will go on sale Monday on AllVols.com.

Tennessee will play Big South Conference regular season and tournament champion Campbell on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN3/WatchESPN. Ohio State will take on Oregon State Friday at 4 p.m. on ESPNU.

The Lady Vols will make their 19th overall and 18th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance this weekend. Tennessee has advanced to the postseason every year since 2004 and has hosted 17-straight regional rounds in Knoxville.

UT enters the tournament with a 39-16 overall record and a 15-8 mark in conference play, good for a third-place finish in the SEC. Through games played Friday, May 13, the Lady Vols touted the nation’s No. 1 strength of schedule and were slotted No. 10 in the NCAA RPI report.

Five Lady Vols earned SEC postseason awards last week with Ivy DavisErin EdmoundsonKelcy LeachKiki Milloy and Zaida Puni landing on the All-SEC Second Team. Davis also picked All-Defensive Team laurels from the league’s head coaches.

Friday’s two winners will play in Game 3 on Saturday at 12 p.m. The losers from Friday’s games will play in Game 4 at 2:30 p.m., and the loser from Game 3 will face the winner from Game 4 at 5 p.m. to conclude play on Saturday.

Game 6 will be on Sunday at 2 p.m. and will feature the winner from Game 3 against the winner from Game 5. The two teams will play again in Game 7 at 4:30 p.m., if necessary.

The 16 winning teams from their respective regional sites will advance the Super Regional round, which will take place from May 26-29, depending on the host site. All Super Regional sites will feature broadcasts on the ESPN family of networks.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, May 20
Game 1: Ohio State vs. Oregon State | 4 p.m.
Game 2: Tennessee vs. Campbell | 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 21
Game 3: G1 Winner vs. G2 Winner | 12 p.m.
Game 4: G1 Loser vs. G2 Loser | 2:30 p.m.
Game 5: G3 Loser vs. G4 Winner | 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 22
Game 6: G3 Winner vs. G5 Winner | 2 p.m.
Game 7: G6 Winner vs. G6 Loser (If necessary) | 4:30 p.m.

-UT Athletics

NCAA Softball Knoxville Regional / Credit: UT Athletics
Carrie Underwood Announces The Denim & Rhinestones Tour with 2022 & 2023 Dates

Carrie Underwood Announces The Denim & Rhinestones Tour with 2022 & 2023 Dates

Just as Carrie Underwood is getting ready to wrap up her Las Vegas residency show Reflection this Saturday May 21st , the country superstar has announced a new massive tour.

The Denim & Rhinestones tour will kick off this October in South Carolina and then go on a run of more than 40 stops in more than 30 states before wrapping up in mid-March 2023.

Carrie says, “I’m thrilled to be hitting the road again with The Denim & Rhinestones tour. I’m having such an amazing time with my Las Vegas residency and look forward to continuing that next year after the tour.”

Carrie’s next album – which shares the same name as the tour – arrives June 10th.

With fans having all summer to listen to the album, Carrie is thrilled to play it for fans in concert this fall, “I’m excited to bring the new music of Denim & Rhinestones to life on tour, as well as put new spins on familiar favorites.  We’ve been working hard already preparing an amazing show, and I can’t wait to see everyone on the road!”

Carrie Underwood will be bringing Jimmie Allen out as a special guest for The Denim & Rhinestones tour.

Check out the full schedule here…

October 15, 2022 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
October 17, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2022 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
October 20, 2022 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
October 22, 2022 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
October 23, 2022 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
October 25, 2022 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
October 27, 2022 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
October 31, 2022 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
November 2, 2022 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
November 3, 2022 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
November 5, 2022 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
November 7, 2022 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
November 12, 2022 – Moline, IL – Tax Slayer Center
November 13, 2022 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
November 15, 2022 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
November 17, 2022 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena
November 19, 2022 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

2023
February 2, 2023 – Miami, FL – FTX Arena
February 4, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
February 6, 2023 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
February 7, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
February 8, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
February 10, 2023 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
February 11, 2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
February 14, 2023 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
February 15, 2023 – Washington DC – Capital One Arena
February 17, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
February 18, 2023 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
February 21, 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
February 22, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
February 24, 2023 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
February 25, 2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
February 26, 2023 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
March 1, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
March 2, 2023 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
March 4, 2023 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
March 8, 2023 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
March 11, 2023 – Glendale, AZ – Gila River Arena
March 13, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
March 14, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
March 16, 2023 – Portland, OR – MODA Center
March 17, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Tickets for the concerts go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, May 20th at 10am local time.  A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will be available which include an amazing selection of tickets, Meet & Greets, custom merchandise, and much more.  For more information, go to Carrie’s WEBSITE

Carrie Underwood’s current single at country radio is “Ghost Story.”

Photo Courtesy of Carrie Underwood

Naomi Judd’s Life Celebrated by the Country Music Community at the Ryman Auditorium

Naomi Judd’s Life Celebrated by the Country Music Community at the Ryman Auditorium

Naomi Judd‘s life was celebrated at the Ryman Auditorium with the CMT special Naomi Judd: A River of Time – Celebration.

The evening started with Naomi’s daughter Ashley Judd greeting the crowd at the Ryman, “Welcome to the mother church of country music. This is where mom wanted her public celebration to take place.”

Ashley also thanked the people that attended the celebration, “Thank you for being in community, and in fellowship with us…because we can pretend to care, but we cannot pretend to show up. So, thank you for showing up for our mom.”

Ashley big sister Wynonna then took the stage for the first performance of the evening – visibly emotional she first commented “How appropriate…the mother church.” Then Wynonna started with the song “River Of Time.”

Little Big Town was also at the Ryman to honor Naomi.

Before they sang The Judd‘s “Grandpa” LBT’s Karen Fairchild shared, “To Ashley, Wy and the whole family…our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your music has been the fabric of our lives, and Naomi, it will live with us forever. So, thank you for…it’s a great honor just to be on this stage with you all tonight.”

Emmylou Harris & Allison Russell performed “The Sweetest Gift” during the celebration.

Wynonna Judd was joined by Brandi Carlile on “The Rose”

Wynonna also performed “Love Can Build A Bridge”

During the evening Wynonna also shared with the audience at the Ryman and those watching at home that The Final Tour which is planned for the Fall will go on.

Wy said, “So, I made a decision…I’m gonna have to honor her and do this tour.”

The audience at the Ryman validated Wynonna’s choice with a explosion of applause at the announcement.

Wynonna added, “The show must go on…as hard as it may be.”

The final performance of The Judds also aired on CMT just over a month ago during the CMT Music Awards.

Photo Credit: Derrek Kupish

2022 Billboard Music Awards – Winners & Performances

2022 Billboard Music Awards – Winners & Performances

Sunday night, May 15th, the 2022 Billboard Music Awards were handed out in Las Vegas.

Congrats to all the winners – in the country music categories the artists that took home trophies were…

Top Country Artist Taylor Swift

Top Country Male ArtistMorgan Wallen

Top Country Female Artist Taylor Swift

Top Country Duo/GroupDan + Shay

Top Country Song Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top Country Tour Eric Church (Gather Again Tour)

Top Country AlbumTaylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)

Top Billboard 200 ArtistTaylor Swift

Performances during the Sunday broadcast included…

Dan + Shay sang “You” from their album, Good Things.

Miranda Lambert & Elle King performing their number-one hit “Drunk (and I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”

Image Courtesy of Billboard Music Awards

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