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: 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: 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: 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
T7
-Dalton Bargo strikes out swinging.
-Dean Curley strikes out swinging.
-Reese Chapman doubles to right-center.
B7
Score: Vols 4, Razorbacks 8
8th Inning:
T8
B8
Score: Vols , Razorbacks
9th Inning:
T9
B9
Score: Vols , Razorbacks
FINAL: Tennessee Vols __, Arkansas Razorbacks __
Tennessee
Tennessee provides $5 million emergency food funding during government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is providing $5 million in emergency funding to food banks as the government shutdown continues to block federal food assistance for low-income families across the state.
The funding comes from TennCare reserve funds and will go to Second Harvest Food Bank, which will distribute the money to food banks statewide based on the number of SNAP recipients in each community.
“It’s an initial response to an immediate need,” Gov. Bill Lee said.
The emergency measure comes as food pantries report overwhelming demand. The Well’s food pantry in Spring Hill served as many families in one hour as they typically see in an entire day.
“It’s hard to see hungry families, senior citizens who have no other alternatives except to wait in the long line at a food pantry,” said Shelly Sassen, CEO of The Well.
SNAP benefits, the federal program that helps low-income families buy groceries, stopped during the shutdown, creating a food emergency across Tennessee.
“They ought to open the government now,” Gov. Lee said.
Even if the Trump administration follows a judge’s order to unlock emergency funds that could provide at least half the normal SNAP amount, Gov. Lee warns the process won’t be immediate.
“But if they release partial funding, the complexity of loading cards with a different formula than before is going to be difficult,” Gov. Lee explained.
The state’s emergency funding represents “the sort of most streamlined way to get dollars to people out, even in rural areas,” Gov. Lee added.
Food pantry volunteers describe the emotional toll of seeing increased need firsthand.
“We’re telling some folks to come back later in the day,” said one volunteer at The Well.
“When you’re here looking people in the eyes and see that they are hungry, that they need some help. That’s what really hits,” another volunteer said.
You are invited to make monetary donations, but Second Harvest Food Bank would also greatly appreciate food donations. Here is a list of suggested items:
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Meat (Chicken or Tuna)
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Meals (Entree or Soup)
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Cereal
- Rice
- Beans (Canned or Dry)
You can drop off food donations at the following locations:
- Second Harvest Nashville — 331 Great Circle Road Nashville, TN
- Second Harvest Symrna — 1958 Almaville Road Smyrna, TN
- Second Harvest Camden — 69 Benton Industrial Road Camden, TN
- Any Middle Tennessee Kroger location
You can find your nearest Kroger location by clicking here.
Are you someone being affected by not receiving SNAP benefits? You can email me at Patsy.Montesinos@Newschannel5.com
Vandy’s band of misfits turns heads with 7-1 start
This is a story I immediately went home and showed my boys – young athletes with big dreams. The Vanderbilt football team’s success has stolen the spotlight – what I love about Steve Layman’s story is he reveals the individual hardships it took to get there. As Clark Lea says, “we all have scuff marks.” This team proves perseverance pays off!
– Carrie Sharp
Tennessee
Titans Rookie Talks Breaking Unfortunate Streak
Wide receiver Chimere Dike is the first Tennessee Titans player to find the end zone on a punt return since Darius Reynaud back in 2012.
Dike returned a punt 67 yards in the first quarter to give the Titans a 14-3 lead in the first quarter of the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dike spoke about what it felt like to get his first touchdown on a punt return.
“Oh, it’s good. I mean, I think that — I’m more happy for our unit. We talk about it all the time. So, those guys work their tail off for me every Sunday. Finally do my job and finish off the run and get into the endzone,” Dike said postgame.
Dike nearly scored a touchdown earlier in the season, but it was called back after a penalty from linebacker Cedric Gray. This time, the special teams unit prevailed as Dike got his score.
“Yeah, in a meeting him and KB (Kendell Brooks), we talked about it as a unit, we’ve been increasing teams and having explosive returns, but you know we wanted to have a spark for the offense and the rest of the team and put it in a box, so to be able to do that it felt good,” Dike said of the special teams unit.
Dike has been getting snaps at wide receiver and special teams and it has led to him leading the league in all-purpose yards over the course of the first half of the season. He has a knack for getting strong returns.
“I caught it, I saw the gunners were both split, both of the zeros did a really good job. It was a one-on-one with their net, then he got missed and then popped out to the right. And I saw about three rip by and then a bunch of blue jerseys. I knew it was a touchdown,” Dike said of his scoring play.
Despite Dike’s efforts, the Titans lost the game to fall to 1-8 on the season. They now advance to the bye week, where they will have a chance to correct some errors.
“Yeah, I mean, I think the penalties in first half were really big,” Dike said. “I think just the negative plays, right? We’re running the football really well, but getting behind the sticks is tough. And I’m sure we’re going to look back and there’s other things. But I think that comes to mind.”
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Tennessee
Silver Linings from Titans’ Fourth Straight Loss
The Tennessee Titans have developed an unfortunate weekly expectation, especially since the early-season firing of second-year head coach Brian Callahan, that a loss is imminent. It’s the sort of thing that plagues only the worst teams in the NFL; franchises that have not only lost direction, but that have no clear pathway in place to find it once more.
At 1-8, Tennessee defines this broken state, and their latest game against the Los Angeles Chargers only further evidenced their conundrum.
In a 27-20 home loss – admittedly, one of the team’s closer games in recent memory – the Titans ultimately failed to keep pace with Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense, despite making remarkable progress in that direction in the game’s earliest trends.
Out mulitiple key players ahead of the trade deadline, the Titans’ “nearly there” performance looks that much more impressive given the team’s current state. Then again, with their aforementioned record being the reality, this isn’t exactly a point in the season in which fans can take solace in moral wins. Even so, if the franchise wants to build something positive in the future, a base is necessary to build such a future from.
The things that Tennessee did well against Los Angeles can be used as that launching point going forward.
On both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the Titans saw big play breakthroughs from players waiting in the wings. First, while the aforementioned Herbert found himself backed up in Los Angeles territory, Tennessee linebacker Cody Barton jumped on a mistimed pass and took it back for the Titans’ first pick six of the entire season.
The score brought Tennessee a rare sense of momentum, and it wasn’t the only standout play of the day.
Rookie wideout and special teams sensation Chimere Dike, having already received conference player of the week honors for that latter ability, ran back a kick for a touchdown of his own. That’s two Tennessee scores driven by non-offensive plays.
Considering the team’s final 20-point tally, the discrepancy clearly lies in the inability of the team’s scoring unit to put points on the board.
As frustrating as that is for the franchise, having budding playmakers elsewhere is certainly a positive worth pointing to as just about everything else seems to go south. If nothing else, the team can hold onto moments like these until a new coach kicks down the doors and, hopefully, begins to right the ship for the long-term.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
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