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Did Tennessee baseball find its shortstop? Vols baseball vs. Albany takeaways from sweep

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Did Tennessee baseball find its shortstop? Vols baseball vs. Albany takeaways from sweep


Tony Vitello has more options at shortstop than ever before in his seven-season Tennessee baseball tenure. The Vols coach may well have found the answer from the crowded field during a five-game week at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Freshman shortstop Dean Curley was one of the offensive stars in that stretch that No. 9 Tennessee (7-1) capped with a sweep against Albany. The Vols won 8-5 in the opener before blasting the Great Danes 21-6 and 12-0 in the Saturday and Sunday wins.

Here are the takeaways from the weekend:

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Dean Curley is making a shortstop statement

Curley’s debut was delayed by an injured hamstring. The freshman shortstop was worth the wait and looks like the early answer at the position.

Curley slugged a three-run homer and a triple Wednesday against ETSU in his debut, then kept hitting against Albany. The Californian had a hit Friday then hit another three-run homer Saturday.

“He’s really strong, but also he’s got a good, compact swing,” Vitello said Saturday. “I don’t think he’s ever really trying to do too much in there. He just missed one in his first at-bat and made a minor adjustment going into the one that finally got it going for us.”

UT entered the season unsettled at shortstop. Freshman Ariel Antigua, the probable starter, is sidelined with a hand injury. Junior Christian Moore opened at shortstop, but moved back to second base with Curley in the lineup.

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Curley left Sunday’s game after he was hit by a pitch in the back of his head. Vitello said Curley was evaluated and was fine. UT could hold Curley out of midweek game against High Point on Tuesday as a precaution.

AJ Russell injury update after leaving Friday’s game

Vols starting pitcher AJ Russell left Friday’s opener with side soreness. Vitello said Sunday that UT will take a conservative approach with its Game 1 starter. He was unsure if that meant Russell will skip a start against Bowling Green.

Russell threw three innings, struck out four, allowed three hits and walked one. He struck out 10 in 4⅓ innings against Texas Tech in the season opener, including getting the first eight outs of the game via strikeout. 

Robin Villeneuve, Dalton Bargo make cases to be in the lineup

Vitello continues to tinker with the lineup to find the best overall grouping for Tennessee. That meant extended opportunities for Robin Villeneuve and Dalton Bargo against Albany and both took advantage.

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Villeneuve, a junior-college addition, has proven he is a slugging right-handed bat. He is hitting a team-high .563. He came in as a first baseman but started in left field against Albany to get his bat in the lineup. He homered Saturday and Sunday.

Bargo got back-to-back starts Saturday and Sunday. He was a triple shy of the cycle Saturday and had a multi-hit game Sunday. He is hitting .400.

STADIUM: Tony Vitello didn’t build it, but renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium was Tennessee coach’s vision

“Really good to start to get settled (those guys) and show that they can play a variety of positions,” Vitello said.

Tennessee has an early penchant for big innings

Tennessee got to hanging crooked numbers in its five-game week. The Vols scored 11 in the third against ETSU on Wednesday and five in the third Friday before posting a nine-run fourth and a five-run sixth Saturday. UT had a six-run sixth Sunday.

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“It’s been a group that kind of feeds off one another when a couple guys do well or when something goes right,” Vitello said. “I think it’s an explosive offense that may just need to get a little bit better at finding some consistency when that big inning isn’t occurring.”

UT capped the sweep with a balanced performance, scoring in five of six innings in the run-rule defeat.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.





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Strong storms possible Sunday night into Monday morning for Middle Tennessee

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Strong storms possible Sunday night into Monday morning for Middle Tennessee


FOX 17 News is monitoring for a few strong thunderstorms that are possible Sunday and Monday.

A few isolated storms are possible in the afternoon, but the best chance for any strong or severe storms will come Sunday night into Monday morning.

The overall threat for severe weather is low, but some of the strongest storms could bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The tornado threat is very low.

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Tuesday through Friday carries a 20% chance for some pop-up showers and thunderstorms.



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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press


COMEDY

‘The Muslims are Coming’

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.

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Cost: $23 for general admission

More info: Showcase of Muslim (and non-Muslim) comedians.

thecomedycatch.com

FILM

‘Toy Story 5’

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When: 6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Latest installment in the long-running Pixar franchise about the lives of childhood toys.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Bobby Stone Film Series

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $13.50 for general admission

More info: Screenings include: “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “Rear Window” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and “The Sparks Brothers” at 4 p.m. Sunday.

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tivolichattanooga.com

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‘Supergirl’

When: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.

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Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Summer blockbuster about Superman’s cousin, Supergirl.

tnaqua.org/imax

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Movie night

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When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road

Cost: Free

More info: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation hosts a free movie night screening of “Finding Nemo.” Includes games, vendors and more.

facebook.com

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MUSIC

Ramsey & Broemel

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

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More info: Musicians Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel from Of My Morning Jacket performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Fielder

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

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Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

Cost: $13 for general admission

More info: Nashville-based duo Fielder performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Chris Knight

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $30 in advance

More info: Kentucky native Chris Knight performs.

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venue.songbirds.org

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Barkley Cove

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.

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Cost: $10 for general admission

More info: Folk ensemble Barkley Cove performs.

thewoodshoplisteningroom.com

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Nightfall

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When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Free summer concert series Nightfall continues, with The 42 as opener and Zach Person as headliner. Also features food trucks and market vendors.

nightfallchattanooga.com

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Chelsea Drugstore

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $15 in advance

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More info: Chelsea Drugstore, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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R&B vs. Hip Hop

When: 8 p.m. Friday

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Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of show

More info: DJ experience, pitting R&B against Hip Hop.

barrelhouseballroom.com

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Struggle Jennings

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

Cost: $24.50 for general admission

More info: Grandson of Waylon Jennings, Struggle Jennings, performs.

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thesignaltn.com

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KPop Demon Hunters

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.

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Cost: $25 for general admission

More info: Family friendly DJ experience, featuring the music of the hit Netflix animated film.

thesignaltn.com

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Riverfront Nights

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When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway

Cost: Free

More info: Free summer concert series Riverfront Nights continues for the 2026 season. Sloppy Street Tacos opens, and Jump, a tribute to Van Halen, headlines.

riverfrontnights.com

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Paul McDonald

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.

Cost: $20 in advance

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More info: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves performs.

venue.songbirds.org

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Amy Grant

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

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Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.

Cost: $61+

More info: Singer-songwriter Amy Grant performs.

tivolichattanooga.com

OUT & ABOUT

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Nooga Splash

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Chester Frost Park, 2389 Gold Point Circle N.

Cost: $14+

More info: Floating water park Nooga Splash continues for the summer season. Main season operating hours continue through Aug. 4.

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noogasplash.com

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Family Potluck

When: 4-9 p.m. Monday

Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

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Cost: Free

More info: Post Nuclear Family Potluck, an all-ages chosen family potluck. Features games, dinner and a movie.

barkinglegs.org

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Battle of Badges

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When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday

Where: Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., LaFayette

Cost: Free

More info: Walker and Catoosa county Sheriff’s Offices host a blood donation drive.

donor.bloodassurance.org

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Farmers market

When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.

Cost: Free admission

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More info: Farmer and farmer-adjacent vendors at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

facebook.com

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River market

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

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Where: Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chattanooga River Market continues, featuring various vendors. Market open Saturdays only from April-October.

chattanoogamarket.com

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Staff file photo / Jan Fowler, left, and Curtis Fowler shop items at the Chickamauga Art and Folk Festival on Aug. 16, 2025. This year, the festival, now called Chickapalooza, is set for 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday around the Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga.

Chickapalooza

When: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday

Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga

Cost: Free admission

More info: Chickapalooza Art and Music Festival, featuring a lineup of live music, artists, food and more.

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Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.
Staff file photo / From Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, a viewer can see the Tennessee River curve around Moccasin Bend on May 21, 2025. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has a program set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., focusing on the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

History program

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Cost: $10 park entrance fee

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More info: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts program about the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.

nps.gov/chch

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Radio Field Day

When: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

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Where: Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone

Cost: Free

More info: Tri-States Amateur Radio Club hosts an amateur radio field day, showcasing how the technology works.

ag4dw@arrl.org

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Summerween

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave.

Cost: Free

More info: Celebrate Halloween in the Summer at Summerween, featuring costume contests, a watermelon-carving contest, live music and more.

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rivercitycompany.com

SPORTS

Lady Red Wolves

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way

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Cost: $10+

More info: Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves take on the Southern Soccer Academy.

chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com

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Lookouts

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When: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Erlanger Park, 2658 Pipe Way

Cost: $7+

More info: Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Promotions include: World Soccer Night and Las Montanas de Chattanooga on Tuesday, a blanket giveaway on Wednesday, a cell phone bag giveaway, drink specials and Never Text and Drive Night on Thursday, Unum Night and fireworks on Friday, Dino Weekend and a pre-game concert on Saturday and Dino Weekend and a canned food drive on Sunday.

mlb.com/milb/chattanooga

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Football Club

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.

Cost: $8+

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More info: Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Chicago Fire Football Club.

chattanoogafc.com

THEATER & ARTS

Dungeons and Drag-ons

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

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Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.

Cost: $15 for general admission

More info: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired drag showcase for ages 13 and older.

barkinglegs.org

______

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Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.



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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer

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Tennessee baseball adds pitcher Ricky Ojeda, UC Irvine transfer


Tennessee baseball received a commitment from UC Irvine pitcher Ricky Ojeda on June 19.

Ojeda, who is eligible for the MLB draft in July, announced his decision on social media. He visited Tennessee on June 15-16.

The lefthanded Ojeda had a strong 2026 season primarily as a reliever, posting a 3.77 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 20 walks in 62 innings. In 2025, he became the first reliever to be named Big West Pitcher of the Year after going 13-1 with a 3.55 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 66 innings, which also earned him a third-team all-American nod from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.

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Whether Ojeda makes it to Tennessee remains an open question. Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 179 prospect for the draft. That would place him in the sixth round.

Should Ojeda join the staff, however, he would instantly become one of the team’s top options out of a bullpen that struggled immensely in 2026. The pitching staff is also under new leadership under pitching coach Austin Knight, who was hired from ECU.

Ojeda is the fourth player to announce they will transfer to Tennessee this offseason, joining two-way Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey, Northwestern State pitcher Brody Trosclair and Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian.

Who’s leaving Tennessee baseball

  • UTL Jay Abernathy (Oklahoma)
  • RHP Nic Abraham
  • INF Ariel Antigua (Arizona)
  • INF Finley Bates
  • RHP Ari Bethea
  • OF Hutson Chance
  • RHP Sawyer Deering (San Diego State)
  • OF Nate Eisfelder
  • 1B Evan Hankins (Virginia Tech)
  • UTL Hunter High
  • RHP Brayden Krenzel (Arkansas)
  • INF Manny Marin
  • INF Ethan Moore (Missouri)
  • UTL Chris Newstrom
  • LHP Taylor Tracey
  • C Cash Williams (West Virginia)

Who’s joining Tennessee baseball

  • RHP/DH Braydon Kersey
  • LHP Brody Trosclair
  • INF Wyatt Hanoian
  • LHP Ricky Ojeda

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_



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