The Tennessee Volunteers lost a close game, 8-7, against the University of Georgia in the series finale on March 15. The game took place at Foley Field and was marked by rainy weather conditions.
This matchup was significant as it featured two ranked teams, with Tennessee entering the contest ranked nineteenth and Georgia ranked sixth nationally. The outcome affects both teams’ standings early in Southeastern Conference play.
Tennessee started strong, scoring three runs in the first inning and another in the third off Georgia’s starting pitcher Kenny Ishikawa. Reese Chapman contributed with a two-out double that drove in two runs, followed by an RBI single from Manny Marin. Henry Ford added a two-run home run to extend Tennessee’s lead to 5-0. However, despite loading the bases in the fourth inning, Tennessee could not increase their advantage further.
Georgia responded by scoring three runs across the fifth and sixth innings against Tennessee starter Evan Blanco, who finished with eight strikeouts over five and two-thirds innings. In the seventh inning, reliever Brayden Krenzel allowed Georgia to load the bases before Daniel Jackson hit an RBI single and Bryce Calloway delivered a three-run homer, giving Georgia an 8-6 lead.
Tennessee attempted a comeback in the ninth inning with a leadoff home run from Blake Grimmer and a single from Levi Clark that put the tying run on base. However, Cole Johnson made a key defensive play for Georgia by catching what would have been a go-ahead home run from pinch hitter Stone Lawless to end the game.
Four different Tennessee players drove in runs during the loss. Chapman and Marin each had two hits and two RBIs. Matt Scott earned the win for Georgia after pitching three innings of relief while Justin Byrd recorded his second save of the season.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will return home for five consecutive games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium beginning with Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
