Top-seeded Tennessee overpowers Alabama State 10-0

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.

Blade Tidwell surrendered simply three hits in 7 2/3 shutout innings, Jordan Beck hit two of No. 1 general seed Tennessee’s 5 residence runs and the Volunteers rolled to a 10-0 victory over Alabama State within the Knoxville Regional on Friday.

Tennessee (54-7), which has gained 9 straight, will play the winner of Friday’s nightcap between Campbell and Georgia Tech on Saturday. Alabama State (34-24) will play an elimination recreation in opposition to the loser earlier Saturday.

Tidwell (3-1) surpassed his longest stint on the mound this season by three innings, placing out seven with no walks.

Jorel Ortega staked the Vols to a 2-0 lead with an RBI double within the backside of the second and a solo homer within the fourth. Beck hit a sacrifice fly within the fifth for a 3-0 lead. Tennessee broke the sport open with a five-run sixth. Beck hit a two-run homer and Drew Gilbert adopted with a solo shot to cap the rally. Blake Burke homered within the seventh and Beck adopted swimsuit within the eighth — each solo pictures.

The Volunteers prolonged their home-run document to 146. No group has hit extra in a season for the reason that faculty recreation switched to the safer BBCOR bats in 2011.

Breon Pooler (10-3) took the loss for Alabama State. He allowed three runs on eight hits and a stroll in 4 2/3 innings. 4 singles accounted for the Hornets’ offense.

Slugging catcher Evan Russell, who has 38 profession homers — tied with Todd Helton for the varsity document — didn’t play due to sickness. Vols head coach Tony Vitello mentioned after the sport that he’ll possible not play on Saturday.

The Volunteers had been named the highest seed for the primary time in program historical past after profitable SEC regular-season and match titles for the primary time since 1995. Tennessee continues to set this system document for wins and have become the primary SEC group to enter the match with 50-plus victories.

Tennessee entered play additionally main the nation in slugging proportion (.604), earned-run common (2.35) and WHIP (0.96). The Vols additionally give up the least quantity of hits and walks within the nation.

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