Tennessee
Transfer Portal: Tennessee picks up commitment from Niagara first baseman Eric Rataczak
Tennessee has added another name to their transfer portal class, picking up a commitment from Niagara first baseman Eric Rataczak. The 6-3, 215 pounder hit the portal on June 4th and is coming off an official visit this past weekend.
I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Tennessee! Can’t wait to get to work with all the @Vol_Baseball staff, thank you to them for the wonderful opportunity
Thanks to my parents for their endless support in the pursuit of my dreams. I love you guys ❤️
GB ! pic.twitter.com/pkHifzvLcR— Eric Rataczak (@EricRataczak) July 8, 2024
Rataczak is originally from Circle Pines, Minnesota. He spent time at San Diego and Arizona Western College before arriving at Niagara last season. During his 2024 campaign, Rataczak led the MAAC in batting average, OPS, RBI, and on base percentage. He set new program records for runs (59), hits (88), home runs (17) and RBIs (71).
Rataczak is draft eligible and may have a decision to make depending on where he’s taken next week.
Tennessee obviously has a big hole to fill in the lineup with first baseman Blake Burke headed to the pros. Burke is a projected second-round pick in next week’s event, coming off of a huge final season in Knoxville. Other potential first base options for next season include Dalton Bargo and Blake Grimmer.
Rataczak joins Gavin Kilen and Tanner Franklin as current members of Tennessee’s transfer portal class.
Tennessee baseball will look to salvage the final game of the SEC series against Ole Miss.
The Vols (25-14, 7-10 SEC) play Game against the No. 23 Rebels (29-11, 10-7) on April 19 (1 p.m. ET, SEC Network+) at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Ole Miss has been on a roll. The 8-1 win on April 18 against the Vols moved the Rebels to eight straight wins. It got an ace-level start from Cade Townsend and a grand slam from Tristan Bissetta to secure Game 2.
Taylor Rabe (3-1, 3.16 ERA) will start for the Rebels. Evan Blanco (3-2, 3.67 ERA) will be on the mound for Tennessee.
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss live updates
What channel is Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss on today?
- TV channel: SEC Network+
- Live stream: ESPN app
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss game times
- Game 3: April 19 (1 p.m. ET)
Tennessee baseball vs. Ole Miss probable pitchers
- Tennessee: LHP Evan Blanco (3-2, 3.67 ERA)
- Ole Miss: RHP Taylor Rabe (3-1, 3.16 ERA)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team dropped game two to Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon, 8-1. The Rebels clinch the series, the first time Ole Miss has won a series in Knoxville since 2016.
A bright spot for the Vols was Tegan Kuhns who threw 5.2 innings not allowing a run, striking out 10 batters on five hits.
Cam Appenzeller picked up his first loss of the season coming in out of the bullpen for Kuhns. The SEC Freshman of the Week did not have a great outing. Appenzeller went 2.1 innings giving up six earned runs.
Tennessee escaped a shutout as Trent Grindlinger hit a solo home run in the ninth inning. Grindlinger’s home run was one of Tennessee’s two hits on the night.
The Volunteers look to avoid the series sweep as theY round out the series with Ole Miss on Sunday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on the SEC Network+.
Copyright 2026 WVLT. All rights reserved.
Tennessee (25-13, 7-9 SEC) will continue a three-game home baseball series on Saturday. The Vols will host No. 23 Ole Miss (28-11, 9-7 SEC) at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
Ole Miss won Game 1 on Friday, 7-4.
Saturday’s Game 2 was scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT. Due to possible inclement weather on Saturday, first pitch for Game 2 will take place at 4 p.m. EDT.
“Due to the chance of inclement weather tomorrow night, tomorrow’s game versus Ole Miss will now start at 4 p.m. EDT,” Tennessee announced on Friday.
Below is how to watch information for Saturday’s Tennessee-Ole Miss Game 2.
What channel is Tennessee versus Ole Miss baseball on?
- TV channel: SEC Network+
- Livestream: Watch live on SECN+
- Announcers: Myan Patel (play-by-play) and Cody Hawn (analyst)
Watch Tennessee baseball live
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
-
Business4 minutes agoDavid Ellison hits CinemaCon, vowing to make more movies with Paramount-Warner Bros.
-
Entertainment10 minutes agoLarry David discusses ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Seinfeld’ legacies and new HBO series
-
Lifestyle15 minutes agoNine non-negotiable items for a well-designed life
-
Politics22 minutes agoSupreme Court weighs phone searches to find criminals amid complaints of ‘digital dragnets’
-
Sports34 minutes agoRyan Ward has a solid debut, but bullpen blows it again as Dodgers lose to Rockies
-
World46 minutes agoSchools, shops shut in northern Israel to protest the Lebanon ceasefire
-
News1 hour agoCommunities launch cleanup after severe weather and tornadoes churn across Midwest
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoGame 21: Tigers at Red Sox, Garrett Crochet battles both Detroit and the weather