Tennessee secured a 12-6 victory over Northern Kentucky on Apr. 7 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, using a six-run eighth inning and strong performances from Blake Grimmer and Trent Grindlinger to remain undefeated in midweek games this season.
The win is significant for Tennessee as it keeps their record perfect at 9-0 in midweek matchups, demonstrating the team’s consistency outside of weekend series.
Garrett Wright set the tone early with a walk, followed by Grimmer’s two-run home run to right field in the first inning. Grimmer continued his power display with another homer in the fifth, marking his first multi-homer game. He has now hit four home runs over his last four games. Manny Marin added a solo shot in the second inning to extend Tennessee’s lead.
Northern Kentucky responded with back-to-back singles and a three-run homer by Hunter Friedberg to tie the game in the third inning. Wright put Tennessee back ahead with an RBI double in the fourth before Grimmer’s second home run increased their advantage. The Norse again tied it up at six after hitting their second three-run homer of the night in the seventh.
In response, Tennessee scored six runs in the eighth inning, including two on an error and another RBI single from Grimmer. Grindlinger capped off the rally with his first career home run—a three-run blast—securing Tennessee’s lead for good. Bo Rhudy earned his first win for Tennessee after striking out three batters over 1.2 scoreless innings of relief.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will travel to Starkville for a weekend series against No. 9 Mississippi State Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field, beginning Friday evening.
