By James Stooksbury
The No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers continued their undefeated start, with a gritty 4-2 victory over the West Georgia Wolves this Tuesday.
The Tennessee Volunteers, who have made it a common occurrence to mercy rule their midweek opponents, had to work a little harder than usual this Tuesday. The Volunteers led by their pitching and defense was able to hold on over the gritty West Georgia Wolves.
Headlined by a standout performance by Thomas Crabtree the Vols pitching staff only allowed 1 earned run while giving up only 5 hits. Crabtree pitched his longest outing of the season pitching 3.l innings while only giving up 1 hit to go along with 3 strikeouts.
Crabtree said his success today was helped by, “The curveball, getting ahead, and the changeup actually showing up today.” Crabtree was a consistent strike thrower today walking no one while consistently getting ahead in counts.
The Vols then continued their pitching success as no pitcher gave up an earned run after the 3rd inning. Ryan Combs exited the pen to a chorus of heavy metal, as he finished the job for the Vols getting the save.
West Georgia held their own pitching as well, led by a great performance out of the pen by Bryan Gomez. Gomez threw two scoreless innings while giving up no hits and only walking one. West Georgia held the Vols to their lowest offensive scoring total of the year.
“We just played a good opponent. I mean look at their record, and the schedule they play, and where they’re from, and how hard those coaches work in recruiting. So it’s a good opponent.”- Tony Vitello on the quality of the West Georgia Wolves.
The Vols found a way to do just enough on the offensive side as the Vols scratched across 4 runs. Half of those runs came off the bat of Andrew Fischer as his 1st inning homer gave the Vols an early two runs.
“I try to be the same guy everyday with the same approach, same personality, same everything. So just kind of where the chips are falling for me right now.”- Andrew Fischer on his recent hot streak at the plate.
The Vols were held scoreless until the fifth after Fischer’s home run until a Chris Newstrom single broke the gates for the Vols. Vitello pointed out Newstroms, “competitiveness and confidence” as the reason for the early college success he has seen.
The Vols only other run came off the bat of Andrew Fischer as he drove in another run with his 6th inning sac fly. West Georgia’s right fielder Landon Weidner made an incredible play on the fly ball which would be his second diving catch of the day. Andrew Fischer complemented Weidner calling him, “a heck of an athlete.”
The Vols now look to their first conference series of the year as they take on the Florida Gators in Lindsey Nelson stadium this weekend.
“There’s guys that could easily play in pro ball that are a part of their program, and they’ve always had flashy talent”- Tony Vitello on the talent that the Vols will face against Florida.
The talent the Florida Gators bring to Knoxville is elite as it will be a clash of titans this weekend.
Game 1 will begin at 6:30 pm on Friday as the Vols look to continue their early season success in conference play.