Tennessee Vols morning report: Tony Vitello recaps baseball’s first SEC road loss
Although the Big Orange Caravan is happening right now and spring sports are beginning postseason play, the Tennessee Vols aren’t too heavy on news to kick off the first full weekend in May. However, the news that did make the headlines is somewhat big, and it’s also noteworthy in a negative way for UT.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with ongoing coverage of a baseball series that began Thursday. Big Orange Country suffered a first on the year by losing to open the series, and this post will recap what happened while also looking ahead to the rest of the weekend.
That’s not the only coverage on the diamond, as we’ll preview a softball series set to begin today as well, one that closes out the regular season. Finally, postseason play does begin in men’s tennis, and we’ll talk about the schedule for the Tennessee Vols on that front. Let’s start with the baseball news, though.
Tony Vitello talks loss at Kentucky – Wes Rucker, GoVols247
On Thursday, the Tennessee Vols baseball team, ranked No. 1 across the board, suffered its first true road loss of the season. UT fell 3-2 to the Kentucky Wildcats in 13 innings. The second game is set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET, and the series concludes Saturday. Tony Vitello discussed the offensive issues in the first loss. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“I don’t think we capitalized on the situation at hand. Starting back in the first inning, we’re in a spot where, you know, really you got Drew Gilbert up with [with two on and one out] and could could throw all kinds of other stuff that goes in hand with that if you’re watching the game. But it didn’t happen.”"
Softball begins series vs. Auburn – UTSports
Friday marks the start of the final regular season series for the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team. UT will host the Auburn Tigers this weekend. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. ET Friday. Saturday’s game starts at 11:30 a.m. ET, and Sunday’s game starts at 1:30 p.m. ET. UT will honor nine players for an official Senior Day on Saturday.
"Fifth-year players Amanda Ayala, Samantha Bender, Ivy Davis, Erin Edmoundson and Kelcy Leach will be celebrated along with four-year seniors Kaitlin Parsons and Ashley Rogers, who both have the option to return for a fifth year in 2023. Junior infielder Anna Fox will also be recognized after completing her political science degree in three years, as she plans to pursue her graduate degree at a different institution."
Men’s tennis begins regionals – NCAA.com
Ranked No. 6 in the nation, the Tennessee Vols men’s tennis team begins NCAA Regionals Friday at 1 p.m. ET with a matchup against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. The winner of that matchup will advance to Saturday for another game at 1 p.m. ET against the winner between the Memphis Tigers and Duke Blue Devils.
"Friday marks the start of the DI men’s tournament, with first-round early matches starting at 10 a.m. The first round continues on Saturday on March 7."