Weekend Recap: Vols drop two of three opening weekend games
Tennessee baseball returns to Knoxville with a 1-2 record after losing the season opener and rubber match against Florida International (2-1).
Tennessee baseball returns to Knoxville with a 1-2 record after losing the season opener and rubber match against Florida International (2-1). The Vols missed out on multiple chances to score runs in crucial situations throughout the weekend and had some bullpen trouble in the season opener.
No. 25 Tennessee 3, Florida International 4
Tennessee senior Bret Marks threw five scoreless innings of one hit ball, but FIU rallied to outscore the Vols 4-1 in the sixth and seventh innings to secure their first win of the season. The Vols managed seven hits against FIU but left the bases loaded in the seventh and the ninth to end the game. Sophomore Nick Senzel led the Vols with three hits, an RBI and drew a walk that loaded the bases in the seventh inning before back-to-back strikeouts ended Tennessee’s scoring opportunity. The Vols loaded the bases in the ninth with only one out, but the Panthers notched back-to-back strikeouts yet again to end the game.
No 25 Tennessee 9, Florida International 2
Tennessee starter Drake Owenby (1-0) threw six scoreless frames, giving up only three hits, and the Vols’ offense made up for missed opportunities in the opener with nine runs on seven hits. Christin Stewart started the scoring early for Tennessee with an RBI-double in the first inning. From there, Tennessee consistently pushed runs across the plate with small ball and three-run bursts in the fifth and sixth innings. Hunter Martin relieved Owenby in the seventh and held FIU to only one earned run as he finished out the game.
No 25 Tennessee 0, Florida International 3
Tennessee managed only four hits, two from second baseman Nick Senzel, and Florida International got behind a strong start from Christopher Mourelle (1-0) for the rubber match victory. Kyle Serrano (0-1) took the loss for the Vols but gave up two runs on only two hits. Andy Cox relieved Serrano in the third and combined with Andrew Lee to hold the Panthers to three hits for the final 5.2 innings. The Vols had just two hits heading into the ninth inning, but Senzel and center fielder Vincent Jackson seemingly gave the Vols life with singles to open the frame. However, the Vols were haunted with memories of the series opener as FIU closer Danny Dicopo set down the next three batters to end any scoring threat.
Edited by Maggie Jones
Nathan is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He spends most of his free time eating meaningless foods and watching sports. If you wish to contact Nathan, you can email him at wodom3@vols.utk.edu or find him on Twitter, @NathanOdom11.
