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Baseball Preview: #6 Vols Cap Homestand vs. Western Carolina

Posted on March 30, 2021

Vols OF Evan Russell / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 6 Tennessee will look to keep rolling after a 4-0 showing last week, as a tough Western Carolina team visits Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Volunteers have won five in a row and 10 of their last 11 games entering Tuesday’s contest with the Catamounts. UT swept No. 14 LSU last weekend, marking just their second series sweep over the Tigers in program history.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Relying on the expertise of public health authorities, the state of Tennessee, appropriate university and government agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are implementing a number of new initiatives at Tennessee Baseball gamedays this spring. The well-being of our student-athletes, fans and staff are our top priorities and guide our decisions. Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.

The Southeastern Conference in August released several conference-wide fan health and safety guidelines for all member institutions this fall. The Tennessee-specific measures outlined on this page are in line with, and in addition to, the SEC’s guidelines.

Parking
Baseball parking is located primarily in Lots GF1, G16, and C1.

Additional on-street parking is located in C10 along Todd Helton Dr. and Chamique Holdsclaw Dr. and along West Volunteer Blvd.

Handicap parking is located in marked handicap spaces on Pat Head Summitt St. and in the G16 Volunteer Blvd. garage. The 2021 parking map can be seen HERE (PDF).

For more information and gameday info, visit the Tennessee Baseball Gameday Information page by clicking HERE.

TICKET INFORMATION

Season tickets for this season are sold out. There are limited seating options still available for select games in the Porch and Deck areas. Fans should contact Maggie Coates at 865-974-9579 or [email protected] for more information.

Single game tickets may be available for select games based on visiting team ticket returns. Fans are encouraged to call the Ticket Office at 865-656-1200 for individual game availability. For weekend series, please contact the Ticket Office on Fridays before 5:00 p.m. Single-game tickets can also be purchased through Vivid Seats by clicking HERE.

In order to keep Lindsey Nelson Stadium as full as possible during a season with limited capacity, 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), sell them on VividSeats (Instructions HERE) or participate in our new Seats for Student program (Instructions HERE).

BROADCAST INFO

Tuesday’s game will be streamed live on WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app.

Fans can also listen to the official Vol Network radio call on Sports Radio WNML (FM 99.1 / AM 990), as well as UTSports.com and the UT Gameday app. John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara will call the action.

SERIES HISTORY

Overall: Tennessee leads, 22-7
In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 16-4
In Cullowhee: Tennessee leads, 5-3
Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: W, 17-3 (March 27, 2018)

Tennessee has won the last five meetings in the series, including a pair of victories in 2018. WCU has not beaten the Vols in Knoxville since a 14-9 victory back in 2010.

NOTABLE

Keeping Knoxville Clean
With last weekend’s sweep over No. 14 LSU, the Vols recorded their fourth series sweep of the year, marking their most in a season since sweeping six opponents in 2004. Prior to last weekend’s series, Tennessee had swept the Tigers just once in program history (2008).

Starting SEC Play Strong
With the series sweep over LSU, Tennessee is now 5-1 in SEC games this year, its best start in conference play since 2001 when it started 8-1. It is also the first time the Vols have won each of their first two conference series since 2001 when they swept Florida and took two of three from South Carolina.

Walk-Off Wins
Tennessee posted back-to-back walk-off wins on Sunday against LSU. Drew Gilbert hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning of the first game and Luc Lipcius singled with the bases loaded in the series finale to give UT its fourth walk-off victory of the season. All four of the Vols’ walk-off wins have come in extra innings, where they are 5-0 this season and have won six straight extra-inning games dating back to 2019.

Russell Ties Home Run Record
Senior outfielder Evan Russell had an historic performance in Tennessee’s Game 2 victory over the Tigers. The Lexington, Tennessee, native tied the program’s single-game home run record after hitting three bombs in the Vols’ 9-8 victory. Russell became the fifth player in program history to accomplish the feat and the first since 2009. He also set a new career high with five RBI in the win.

Three Homer Games (UT History)
Evan Russell vs. LSU (March 27, 2021)
Cody Hawn vs. Ohio (March 6, 2009)
Todd Helton vs. Arkansas (March 25, 1995)
Alan Cockrell vs. Austin Peay (March 16, 1983)
Rusty Ensor vs. Vanderbilt (April 2, 1981)

OPPONENT SCOUT

Western Carolina Catamounts

2021 Record: 13-4 (2-0 SoCon)
Rankings: Not Ranked
2019 Postseason: N/A
Head Coach: Bobby Moranda (14th season) // Has led the Catamounts to a pair of Southern Conference regular-season championships and a SoCon Tournament title in 2016.
Predicted SoCon Finish: T-5th (Coaches) // 6th (Media)
Preseason All-SoCon Selections: Zach Franklin (1st Team – RP), Luke Robinson (1st Team – C), Justice Bigbie (1st Team – OF)
Stat Leaders:
- Batting Avg: Daniel Walsh (.407)
- Runs: Justice Bigbie (29)
- Hits: Luke Robinson (27)
- Home Runs: Justice Bigbie/Luke Robinson (5)
- RBI: Daylan Nanny (22)
- Stolen Bases: Justice Bigbie/Daylan Nanny/Daniel Walsh (4)
- Wins: Zebby Matthews (4)
- ERA (min. 15.0 IP): Davis Tyndall (1.20)
- Innings Pitched: Zebby Matthews (31.0)
- Strikeouts: Zebby Matthews (30)
Notable: Lead the nation in on-base percentage (.445) and rank second in the country in runs per game (9.7).

GAME PROMOTIONS

Upcoming 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

The Vols head to Tuscaloosa to square off against the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend. First pitch for Friday’s series opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

-UT Athletics

No. 21 Lady Vols Rally Past Furman Twice for Monday Doubleheader Sweep

Posted on March 30, 2021

UT OF Cailin Hannon / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A set of explosive sixth innings and some late inning heroics in the circle from junior gunslinger Ashley Rogers pushed the No. 21 Tennessee softball team past Furman twice on Monday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

Tennessee (25-5) combined for 14 runs in the afternoon’s collective sixth innings to send Furman (6-14) home with two losses.

Seven Lady Vols tallied multiple hits across the two games, with Chelsea Seggern finishing the day as the most consistent member of the Orange & White, going 4-for-7 at the dish, with two doubles and two runs scored.

Game One Tennessee 11 Furman 4
Tennessee was slow out of the gates, but used a punishing late offensive effort and some good late efforts in the circle to power past Furman in game one.

Graduate student Cailin Hannon and junior Ally Shipman led the way for UT at the dish, combining for seven RBI and five hits.

Shipman went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a double to add some insurance to the Lady Vols late lead.

Monday’s game one win was also the first time the Orange & White didn’t have a single batter strike out.

Furman threw the opening punch with a Claire Ginder solo shot to center in the top half of the first inning, giving the Paladins a quick, 1-0 lead.

In the next inning, Furman tacked on two more to extend its lead to 3-0 on a pair of miscues at second base.

In the home half of the second, the Lady Vols got on the board on a sac fly from Shipman to center to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Two innings later, Furman went yard again in the fifth, this time off the bat of Emily Bartlett to put the Paladins back up by three runs.

Over the final two innings, the Lady Vols exploded for 10 runs to nearly end game one in run rule fashion.

The Orange & White’s comeback was highlighted by Hannon’s sixth inning grand slam with the scored even at 4-4 with no outs.

UT tacked on three more runs in the inning, before Ashley Rogers slammed the door to give UT its 24th win of 2021.

Game Two Tennessee 7 Furman 2
The afternoon’s second contest was a pitchers’ duel for the first four innings, with Furman grabbing a pair of runs to hold a two-run lead heading into the fifth inning.

In the fifth, senior Amanda Ayala ripped a double to left field to bring put UT on the board, while cutting the Paladins’ lead in half.

In the sixth inning the Lady Vols posted a six-piece to take a 7-2 lead into the nights final inning.

Senior Ivy Davis got things going with a massive two-out, two-run shot to left field with Milloy on second to give UT its first lead of the second contest.

West and Ayala followed with two RBI doubles to add four more runs to the UT total, before Rogers fort the second consecutive game shut Furman down to give Tennessee the doubleheader sweep.

UP NEXT
Tennessee returns to action on Tuesday afternoon for a single mid-week encounter with another ASUN foe, Liberty. First pitch from Sherri Parker Lee stadium is slated for 3 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.

-UT Athletics

PHOTO GALLERY: Vols Football Spring Practice #2

Posted on March 30, 2021

Here are some images from UT’s second spring football practice, courtesy of Tennessee Athletic Communications.

Tennessee Spring Practice 2

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - The Tennessee Volunteers after practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Quarterbacks Coach Joey Halzle of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Defensive lineman Omari Thomas #58 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Wide receiver Jimmy Calloway #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Head Coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Linebackers Coach Brian Jean-Mary of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Linebacker Aaron Beasley #24 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Quarterback Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Head Coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Running back Marcus Pierce #28 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Defensive Line Coach Rodney Garner of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Defensive lineman Matthew Butler #94 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach Alex Golesh of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Offensive lineman Cade Mays #68 of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Wide Receivers Coach Kodi Burns of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

: KNOXVILLE, TN - March 27, 2021 - Secondary Coach Willie Martinez of the Tennessee Volunteers during practice on the Robert E. White indoor field in the Anderson Training Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

Hunley Earns SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week Honors

Posted on March 30, 2021

Vols RHP Sean Hunley / Credit: UT Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee senior Sean Hunley has been named the SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday afternoon.

Hunley shared the honor with Vanderbilt’s Jack Leiter after an impressive series against No. 14 LSU last weekend. The veteran right hander played a hand in all thee of the Vols victories over the Tigers.

The Mount Juliet, Tennessee, native picked up his second save of the season in Friday’s series opener after tossing two innings of shutout relief to finish out a 3-1 victory. Hunley then earned back-to-back wins out of the bullpen in Games 2 and 3 to help lead UT to just its second series sweep against the Tigers in program history.

Hunley is the 18th player in program history to earn SEC Pitcher of the Week honors and the first since Garrett Stallings, who did it twice in 2019.

Hunley got the Vols out of a jam in the top of the 11th inning in Game 2, striking out Jordan Thompson to strand the go-ahead run at second base. Drew Gilbert went on to hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning to win the game.

In the series finale, Hunley was called on to get the Vols out of some more trouble with the go-ahead run at second base in a 2-2 game. He went on to strike out Brody Drost to stand two runners on base and keep the game tied at two. Hunley ended up finishing the game, pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two batters to earn his fourth win of the year.

Hunley is now tied for the team lead in wins this season, sporting a perfect 4-0 record, and has not allowed an earned run in his last five appearances, a span of 10.1 innings pitched.

-UT Athletics

Blake Shelton Announces New Album – Body Language – Out May 21st

Posted on March 30, 2021

As his song “Minimum Wage” climbs the chart, Blake Shelton announced that he’s releasing his next album May 21st!

Body Language is Blake’s 12th studio album, and will feature, “Minimum Wage,” his number-1 hit with Gwen Stefani, “Happy Anywhere” and 10 additional tracks.

Blake shares, “We’ve been working on this album on and off for two years now, and I’m very proud of what we have put together.”

When it comes to creating an album in the current world situation of social distancing and quarantining, Blake says, “We certainly had some unique challenges with the pandemic, but we also had a lot of fun. We explored new sounds while making sure to get in some classic country. I’m also thrilled to have my buddies The Swon Brothers featured on the title track as both co-writers and vocalists. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”

Blake also released the track list for Body Language…

1. “Minimum Wage” (Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Corey Crowder)

2. “Body Language” (feat. The Swon Brothers) (Colton Swon, Zach Swon, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver)

3. “Happy Anywhere” (feat. Gwen Stefani) (Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins)

4. “Now I Don’t” (Jessi Alexander, Alyssa Vanderheym, Michael Hardy)

5. “Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You” (Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson)

6. “Corn” (Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawon)

7. “Makin’ It Up As You Go” (Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)

8. “Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow” (Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Casey Beathard)

9. “The Girl Can’t Help It” (Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Mark Holman)

10. “The Flow” (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)

11. “Neon Time” (Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Ben West)

12. “Bible Verses” (Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky)

While we wait for Body Language to be released on May 21st, you can check out the music video for Blake Shelton’s current single at country radio — this is “Minimum Wage”

Photos Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

Brett Young’s “Lady” Lands In the Top Spot On Country Radio

Posted on March 30, 2021

Congratulations goes out to Brett Young — fresh off celebrating his birthday last week, and revealing on The Kelly Clarkson Show that he and his wife are expecting daughter number-2 this summer, his song “Lady” takes the top spot in country music.

Brett says, “I’m speechless. ‘Lady’ is officially #1 at country radio. This is a truly special one. It is easily the most personal song I’ve ever written. A love letter to my daughter about my wife. Thank you for being the inspiration behind this song – I love you both so much! Thank you to country radio and my amazing team that helped make this happen – I couldn’t have done this without you. Last but not least, thank you to every single person who requested, downloaded, streamed, sang along, and turned up this song. Seeing how much y’all have related to it is so incredibly special to me. I see all your videos, comments, and stories – please keep them coming. THANK YOU”

This is the 7th number-1 in a row of Brett’s career…need a refresher of his other chart toppers…we got you covered…

Brett shares, “There aren’t many words to describe how this one feels… I’m still wrapping my head around seven in a row, then for it to be on a song like ‘Lady,’ is so incredibly special.”

Brett adds, “I’m forever grateful to the fans, radio and all of our partners for embracing it like they have, making it a soundtrack to their lives and sharing their own stories back with me. Thank you all and can’t wait to share what’s next!”

While we wait to see what’s next from Brett Young, check out the music video for his number-1 song “Lady” right here featuring his two ladies — wife, Taylor, and daughter Presley.

Photo Credit: Riker Brothers Photography

Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram & Jon Randall Share Another Track From The Marfa Tapes

Posted on March 30, 2021

Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall have released another track in advance of their album The Marfa Tapes coming out on May 7th.

Talking about the song, Miranda says, “Am I Right or Amarillo” was Jack Ingram’s title and of course Jon Randall’s beautiful Blue Grass roots came out on that song. You know, it’s three part harmony and it’s old school country.”

Jon added, “I think we were talking about the most time we’ve ever spent in Amarillo was at the truck stop. We just started riffing on the title and a cheating song showed itself. We all miss country cheating songs so we just went with it. It is really more of a bluegrass kind of thing.”

When it comes to the recordings on The Marfa Tapes, Miranda shares, “They’re raw. You can hear the wind blowing, the cows mooing… We wanted you to feel like you were right there with us, sitting around the campfire, escaping the world, disappearing into the music.”

Headline Photo Credit: Spencer Peeples

Additional Photo Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville

Carly Pearce is “Not OK” After Getting a Message From Loretta Lynn

Posted on March 29, 2021

During her last appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry Carly Pearce debut a song called “Dear Miss Loretta” — of course, that’s Loretta Lynn.

Carly says, “It’s no question that Loretta Lynn is a major inspiration of mine.”

That night at the Opry Carly shared, “My grandma introduced to me to her music when I was a little girl, and made sure I understood that if I was going to sing country music being from Kentucky – I had to know the importance of Miss Loretta Lynn. I’ve always loved her, but it wasn’t until the last year that I really FELT what she’s sang about all these years – and just how much we really do have in common. I wrote this song recently with Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark as a letter to her, saying all the things I wish I could say to her & sang it for the first time last night on my favorite stage. Thank you Loretta, for making me feel like it’s okay to write my truth and be unashamed.. just like you.”

Word of the performance got back to Loretta who reach out to Carly with her own message, “Wow! Carly Pearce this song means the world to me and you sang it on my favorite stage in the world – Opry . I loved it and I love you! Maybe one of these days we can sing one together!”

After getting that, Carly’s only response was “IM NOT OK”

Check out Carly’s performance of “Dear Miss Loretta” from the Grand Ole Opry right here…

Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Luke Bryan Keeps His Promise to Alex Miller – and Now They’re Opry Bound

Posted on March 29, 2021

This past week Luke Bryan fulfilled a promise he made to Alex Miller during his audition process for American Idol when he dialed Alex up with an invite to play the Grand Ole Opry.

Luke says “Can’t wait for Alex Miller to step into the circle at the Grand Ole Opry. I kept my word, didn’t I?”

Just in case you didn’t catch Alex’s introduction on Idol, you can watch it here…

Photo Courtesy of UMG Nashville

Shenandoah Walk Into Country Radio With Blake Shelton, and Head Out On Tour

Posted on March 29, 2021

Last fall Shenandoah released their 10th studio album, Every Road, featuring collaborations with Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Zac Brown Band, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley, and Blake Shelton.

Now, their song with Blake, “Then A Girl Walks In,” is their latest single at country radio.

Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon says, “Blake Shelton is truly a big piece of this new record. His vocals are as solid as a slab of concrete.” Co-founding member Mike McGuire added, “We knew Blake must be a Shenandoah fan when he picked one of our songs for the past four seasons in a row on ‘The Voice’ for his artists to sing, but we never dreamed we’d have the opportunity to actually do a duet with him personally. What a blessing!”

Blake shared “Real excited to be a part of it – y’all get ready for our brand new song ‘Then A Girl Walks In!’”

Listen to their track right here…