Tennessee
No. 17 Tennessee Baseball @ No. 8 Arkansas Score, Updates Game Two | Rocky Top Insider
SCORE: Tennessee 4, Arkansas 8 | T7
***SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE AT-BAT BY AT-BAT FEED***
No. 17 Tennessee baseball (41-12, 16-11 SEC) is set to battle No. 8 Arkansas (41-12, 18-10 SEC) Friday in game two of a three-game series in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
First pitch in Baum Walker Stadium will be at 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network +.
For a full preview of the series, including projected pitching matchups and a prediction, click here.
Tennessee enters Friday’s contest coming off a 10-7 series-opening win on Thursday. Marcus Phillips turned in a solid start and Tennessee’s offense exploded for 10 runs.
Read the full recap of game one HERE.
Tennessee enters the final series of the regular season struggling in SEC play. The Vols have lost four straight series and five of their past six, with four of those coming at home.
The offense hasn’t lived up to its potential while the bullpen has been shaky and the defense bad.
With the recent struggles, Tennessee likely needs to win the series this weekend to host an NCAA Regional. If Tennessee just wins one game, the Vols will need a really strong run in the SEC Tournament to improve their hosting chances.
But with Tennessee surprisingly taking game one, the Vols are well-positioned to win the series as they are the better team on paper Friday night with ace Liam Doyle on the mound.
BRACKETOLOGY:Â Bracketology: Tennessee Baseball Projected To Go On The Road In NCAA Tournament
The Vanderbilt series loss saw Tennessee drop even further in the latest D1 Baseball Top 25 poll to No. 17.
See where Tennessee landed in all major polls below.
RANKINGS:Â Where Tennessee Baseball Ranks Following Series Loss Against Vanderbilt
Opponent Scout
Arkansas got off to a strong start to the season losing just one game before the start of SEC play. Conference play has been topsy turvy for the Razorbacks with them losing four of their last five series after winning their first four series of the season.
When Arkansas has won series, they have almost always swept. The Razorbacks have series sweeps against South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Missouri and most impressively Texas two weeks ago in Fayetteville.
Arkansas’ offense has some serious pop, ranking seventh nationally and third in the SEC in slugging percentage. The Aloy brothers have led the way for Arkansas’ offense. Wehiwa Aloy is an SEC Player of the Year candidate and enters the weekend hitting .364 with 17 home runs, 16 doubles and 54 RBIs. Kuhio Aloy is hitting .356 with 13 home runs, 14 doubles and 66 RBIs.
Five Arkansas players have double digit home runs this season with seven players hitting eight-plus home runs. Charles Davalan is hitting .349 with 13 home runs while Cam Kozeal is hitting .340 with 12 home runs.
Arkansas’ pitching staff ranks fifth in the SEC with a 3.96 team-ERA. Dylan Carter (2.23 ERA in 32.1 IP) and Aiden Jimenez (2.51 ERA in 32.1 IP) have been the top arms in Arkansas’ bullpen.
The Vols will be looking to end their recent struggles against the Razorbacks this week. UT’s last series win against Arkansas came in 2005 while its last series win in Fayetteville was back in 2001, per UT. Tony Vitello is currently 2-9 against Dave Van Horn.
Injury/Availability Notes
- In game two against Kentucky, a foul ball unfortunately hit Tennessee relief pitcher Tanner Wiggins in the mouth. Tony Vitello said there were teeth involved in Wiggins’ injury, and the sophomore underwent surgery afterward on his jaw.
- Read more about Wiggins’ status HERE.
- UNC transfer first baseman Alberto Osuna remains ineligible.
- But two Mondays ago, Osuna again took legal action still seeking eligibility. Read more HERE.
TRANSCRIPT:Â What Tennessee HC Tony Vitello Said Following Series Opening Win At Arkansas
For all of RTI’s baseball coverage so far this season, click here.
For the latest RTI Diamond Pass podcast recapping the Vanderbilt series and looking at why Tennessee must finish strong to close the regular season, click HERE.
VIDEO: Tony Vitello Reacts to Series-Opening Win Over Arkansas
Lineups, pitching matchup and additional pre-game notes are below, followed by the LIVE at-bat by at-bat game thread.
TENNESSEE STARTING NINE:Â
SS Gavin Kilen (L)
1B Andrew Fischer (L)
CF Hunter Ensley (R)
LF Dalton Bargo (L)
2B Dean Curley (R)
RF Reese Chapman (L)
C Cannon Peebles (S)
DH Levi Clark (R)
3B Manny Marin (R)
Lineup Notes:
- Levi Clark over Blake Grimmer at the DH spot. The only change in the lineup from Thursday.
- Marin still at third, Peebles behind the dish, Bargo in left.
ARKANSAS STARTING NINE:Â
LF Charles Davalan (L)
SS Wehiwa Aloy (R)
RF Logan Maxwell (L)
DH Kuhio Aloy (R)
C Ryder Helfrick (R)
2B Cam Kozeal (L)
3B Brent Iredale (R)
1B Reese Robinett (L)
CF Justin Thomas Jr. (R)
Pitching Matchup:
Vols Jr. LHP Liam Doyle (9-2, 2.17 ERA, 14 app., 13 starts, 74.2 IP, 37 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 23 BB, 127 K, 12 XBH, .145 opp. batting avg., 0.80 WHIP)
vs.
Razorbacks R-So. Aiden Jimenez (4-1, 2.51 ERA, 17 app., 0 starts, 1 SV, 32.1 IP, 27 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 7 BB, 34 K, 5 XBH, .229 opp. batting avg., 1.06 WHIP)
Pitching notes:
- Doyle stays in his Friday night role but not game one role. Tennessee wanted to keep Doyle on his regular routine after throwing 100 pitches last week. Also gives Doyle’s blister more time to improve before tonight.
- The blister has flared up after 70-80 pitches occasionally for Doyle. Some times worse than others. Just something the Vols ace is likely going to have to deal with moving forward.
- First start of the season for Jimenez as Arkansas shakes up its rotation. He’s been a bullpen arm that hasn’t done extended relief much. Most pitches he’s thrown is 57. Hasn’t gone more than 3.1 innings since March 22.
- Expect Jimenez to be more of an opener and throw 3ish innings. Would be surprised if he gets into 5-inning/80-pitch territory.
Uniforms
Tennessee: Dark Mode
Arkansas: White Pinstripes
*NOTES*
- The run-rule is MANDATORY in SEC play. If Tennessee or Arkansas leads by 10 or more runs after the seventh inning, the game is over.
1st Inning:Â
T1
-Gavin Kilen flies out to CF.
-Andrew Fischer grounds out to P.
-Hunter Ensley singles to SS.
-Dalton Bargo grounds out to 2B.
END OF TOP HALF
B1
-Charles Davalan singles to 2B.
-Wehiwa Aloy strikes out swinging.
-Logan Maxwell singles to left-center. Davalan to third.
-Kuhio Aloy strikes out swinging on three pitches.
-Ryder Helfrick strikes out swinging on three pitches.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 0, Razorbacks 0
2nd Inning:Â
T2
-Dean Curley doubles to right-center.
-Reese Chapman lines out to 2B.
-Levi Clark grounds out to 2B. Curley to third.
-Cannon Peebles slaps an RBI single to left field. Curley scores.
-Manny Marin singles to left field. Peebles to second.
-Gavin Kilen fouls out to 3B.
END OF TOP HALF
B2
-Cam Kozeal singles to center field.
-Brent Iredale drives a two-run homer to left-center.
-Reese Robinett strikes out swinging.
-Justin Thomas Jr. singles to 2B.
-Charles Davalan rips a double to right-center. Thomas Jr. to third.
-Wehiwa Aloy sends an RBI groundout to 2B. Thomas Jr. scores. Davalan to third.
-Logan Maxwell strikes out looking on three pitches.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 1, Razorbacks 3
3rd Inning:Â
T3
-Andrew Fischer doubles to right-center.
-Hunter Ensley flies out to LF.
-Dalton Bargo smacks an RBI double to left field.
-Dean Curley singles to SS. Bargo to third.
*Pitching change: LHP Cole Gibler (1-1, 4.50 ERA) on to pitch for Jimenez*
-Reese Chapman strikes out swinging on three pitches.
-Levi Clark works a walk.
- Really good AB from Clark.
- Bases loaded with two outs for Cannon Peebles.
-Cannon Peebles knocks a two-run single to center. Curley and Bargo score. Clark to second.
-Manny Marin reaches on a fielder’s choice to 3B. Peebles out at second, 5-4.
END OF TOP HALF
B3
-Kuhio Aloy HBP.
-Ryder Helfrick mashes a two-run homer to left-center.
-Cam Kozeal grounds out to 1B unassisted.
-Brent Iredale singles to left field.
-Reese Robinett strikes out looking.
Iredale steals second.
-Justin Thomas Jr. works a walk.
-Charles Davalan strikes out looking.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 5
4th Inning:Â
T4
-Gavin Kilen strikes out swinging.
-Andrew Fischer fouls out to 3B.
- Great play by the third baseman who made a sliding catch at the wall in foul territory.
- Jammed his head and shoulder area into the wall. He is staying in the game.
-Hunter Ensley grounds out to 3B.
END OF TOP HALF
B4
-Wehiwa Aloy strikes out swinging.
-Logan Maxwell hammers a solo homer to right field.
-Kuhio Aloy grounds out to 3B.
-Ryder Helfrick pops up to 2B.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 6
5th Inning:Â
T5
-Dalton Bargo grounds out to 2B.
-Dean Curley grounds out to SS.
-Reese Chapman singles to 2B.
-Levi Clark reaches on a 6-4 fielder’s choice. Chapman out at second.
END OF TOP HALF
B5
-Cam Kozeal strikes out swinging.
-Brent Iredale is walked.
-Reese Robinett strikes out swinging.
-Justin Thomas Jr. singles to SS, advances to third on a throwing error by SS. Iredale advances to second on the error and scores on the error.
- Kilen’s feet got stuck in the grass it seemed. Errant throw to Dean goes into the outfield allowing Iredale to score and Thomas Jr. to reach third.
-Charles Davalan knocks an RBI single to right field. Thomas Jr. scores.
*Pitching change: Jr. RHP Austin Breedlove (3-0, 3.32 ERA) on to pitch for Doyle*
Davalan caught stealing at second, 2-4.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8
6th Inning:Â
T6
-Cannon Peebles grounds out to SS.
-Manny Marin strikes out swinging.
-Gavin Kilen singles to right-center.
*Pitching change: LHP Parker Coli (2-0, 0.57 ERA) on to pitch for Gibler*
-Andrew Fischer doubles to right field. Kilen to third.
-Hunter Ensley lines out to RF.
END OF TOP HALF
B6
-Wehiwa Aloy lines out to LF.
-Logan Maxwell strikes out swinging.
-Kuhio Aloy is walked on four pitches.
-Ryder Helfrick strikes out looking.
- Breedlove fired up after that one.
END OF BOTTOM HALF
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8
7th Inning:Â
T7
-Dalton Bargo strikes out swinging.
-Dean Curley strikes out swinging.
-Reese Chapman doubles to right-center.
Â
B7
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8
8th Inning:Â
T8
B8
Score: Vols , RazorbacksÂ
9th Inning:Â
T9
B9
Score: Vols , RazorbacksÂ
FINAL: Tennessee Vols __, Arkansas Razorbacks __
The Tennessee Volunteers have been one of the main teams when it comes to producing talent and sending talent to the NFL, which is something that has often been discovered as a standard for the football program. This is something that has been going on for quite some time and isn’t anything new to the news cycle, as the Vols have been able to produce plenty of talented prospects.
Tennessee is the home of many stars, including some of the best defensive players in SEC history. Guys like Eric Berry have found their way through the Tennessee program and onto the NFL, where they would have legendary careers. However, the defensive side of the football is the only side that has produced plenty of talent, as Tennessee has produced a lot of offensive talent as well. With the likes of Peyton Manning and company, the Vols have shown a great track record in getting talent drafted.
The Vols have produced someone who could be considered as one of the best players to play the Tide end position, as the Knoxville, Tennessee program is the home to Dallas Cowboys legend, Jason Witten. Witten is someone who made the most of his career and has been viewed as a top player at the Tide in position, and someone who is often referred to as a legend for the Cowboys, along with being a legend in the game of football as a whole.
Jason Witten Accepts TE Coach Position For Oklahoma
Witten is now taking a new gig, which has him in a huge role inside the Southeastern Conference. The Vols legend is now the tight end coach for the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners have had some success out of their tight ends in the past, but the sky is the limit with a guy like Witten coaching up the players. Witten has the opportunity to do really well, as coaching tight ends won’t be an issue, and you have to imagine that he will be able to recruit very well, considering he has a huge name around him, as this is something that we have seen from positional coaches as well as head coaches who have done great work in the league. You have to imagine that the Vols will now have stiff competition for his son, Cooper, who is a five-star recruit for the upcoming 2027 class at the linebacker position.
More Vols News
The Tennessee Volunteers are looking to land many of the nation’s best players in the transfer portal to replace the players who have already announced they are transferring away from Tennessee. One of the players they lost very early on to the portal, and his plans of entering the portal is Boo Carter.
Carter is someone who has quickly made a name for himself, as he played for the Vols as a freshman. He also played for the Tennessee Vols this past season before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Carter entered the portal and left an announcement on his X page for those interested. Here is what was said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank The University of Tennessee Coaches, administrators and fans for a wonderful 2 years. Unfortunately my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going forward!-Boo Carter”
Boo Carter Visits Vanderbilt
Now that the portal is here, he has started to hear from many teams, including a team many anticipated to be in the picture. The Vols DB heard from the Vanderbilt staff and is now reportedly visiting them. This is a school where many of his friends go currently, and a school that has been doing well, but it is no secret that this is one of the Vols’ biggest rivalries.
He is undecided on a possible commitment somewhere, but the reports have started to indicate that the Commodores are a team to watch moving forward. This will be one to watch for the Vols, as there is a good chance they may see Carter next season.
“Dynamic athlete who quickly made an impact on defense and special teams as a true freshman … Earned the starting STAR position and shined while becoming a dangerous weapon as a punt returner as a true freshman in 2024 … Saw action as a slot receiver as well during 2025 spring practices … Early enrollee in January 2024 who participated in Citrus Bowl practices and spring practice before his true freshman season … Has compiled 63 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups and one interception on defense in his career … Dynamic punt returner who averages 16.0 yards per return in his career … Played in 21 career games and made five starts,” the Tennessee Vols athletics website stated.
More Vols News
The Tennessee Volunteers have been looking to land the best of the best when it comes to the transfer portal, and they have been targeting the best, but as of recently, all it has been is a bunch of swings and misses.
The Vols have missed yet again, as they have failed to land one of their top targets on their board when it comes to the college football transfer portal at a position that they currently need more than any. That position is the cornerback position, which is one that they need very badly.
The player that they failed to land in this go-around is Troy cornerback Jaquez White. White is one of the better players that the portal has seen at the position, as he was easily named as a top portal target for many. He was seriously looking at Tennessee, and the Vols were ready to bring him in, but instead, he has opted to commit to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have done a decent job in the portal thus far, but their portal class has definitely improved following the addition of White.
Whether this is a money thing or the Vols just couldn’t do enough convincing, the point is that they have missed on guys left and right recently. The vision isn’t clear, but fans are hopeful that it will be soon.
Here is what White did in his 2025 season according to the Troy website.
Jaquez White’s 2025 Season
“Earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors … Ranked third in the league (seventh nationally) with 14 total passes defended and fourth (15th nationally) with 11 pass break ups … Started 12 games and played in all 14 contests … Returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over Louisiana; added interceptions against Nicholls and in Sun Belt Championship Game at James Madison … Finished season with 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Sack came in Troy’s win over South Alabama; added five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up in the game … Season-best seven tackles against Memphis … Broke up four passes in win at ULM and had a pair at Southern Miss … Troy’s top-rated defender per PFF with an 87.6 rating … Played 879 defensive snaps, second most on the team … Third-rated cornerback in the country (min. 700 snaps) per PFF and fourth-rated cover corner … Held opponents to a 54.5 reception percentage (36-of-66).”
More Vols News
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