Tennessee baseball keeps rolling, prepares for Bowling Green
The Tennessee Volunteers extend their win streak to seven straight after a windy, tough matchup with the High Point University Panthers. The panthers enter this game sporting two wins, one of those coming against the Ole Miss Rebels, so regardless of record they were not to be overlooked.
The wind was a major factor as many balls hit were blown foul or kept from going the distance. The players on both teams were struggling to keep track of balls as they were hit in the air. However, that did not stop the Vols from getting bats on balls early. Robin Villeneuve continues to torch opposing pitchers as he brought in two runs in the first inning giving the Vols a 2-0 advantage after one. Kavares Tears did not want to be left out either as he cranked a home run to right field. Doing this against the wind was very impressive and Tears has already solidified himself as one of the stars of this year’s team.
If I did have to criticize something about this year’s team it would have to be pitching. Last season spoiled a lot of Vol fans with Dollander, Beam, and Burns. Matthew Dallas started the game and gave up five BBs through two innings. The Vols then used five other pitchers throughout the game and while there were some bright spots, Kirby Connell and Nate Snead, the midweek pitching does need to improve. Chris Stamos (2-0) was credited with the win but left the game with “soreness” according to Coach Tony Vitello. That is now two Volunteer pitchers out with “soreness” along with Dean Curley being out after being hit in the head last game. Let’s hope these injuries are not serious and the Vols can field a full roster with SEC play starting in a few weeks.
All that being said, a mid-week win is a mid-week win, and not all teams won their mid-week games… Florida. Villeneuve, Tears, and Amick continue to be the soul of the lineup and are delivering game after game. The Volunteers are 8-1 and still look to be a contender in Omaha and the SEC. Looking ahead there is a weekend series against Bowling Green. Weather looks to potentially be a factor so that is something to keep an eye on.
