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First pitch: 1 p.m. ET
Stream: SEC Network+
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Starting Lineup:
Here’s four quick takeaways from Tennessee’s Saturday win to clinch the series.
Rounding 1st — The COVID-seniors when you need them
After Georgia Southern struck for three runs in the top of the sixth, the Vols struck for three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Kyle Booker got the Vols on the board with an RBI groundout to set up COVID-senior Evan Russell to hit a game-tying two-run single through the left side to tie the game at three.
An inning later, fellow COVID-senior Luc Lipcius hit an RBI double to give the Vols a 4-3 lead. They never looked back and went on to win by seven thanks to a solo home run from Jorel Ortega (2) and a grand slam from Drew Gilbert (1).
Rounding 2nd — Chase Dollander makes Tennessee debut
Georgia Southern transfer Chase Dollander made his Tennessee debut on Saturday against his former team. Dollander gave up three runs in the sixth as the Eagles chased him, but the sophomore righty struck out 11 on the afternoon and six in a row at one point. He didn't allow a walk.
Rounding 3rd — Vanderbilt transfer Ethan Smith makes debut
Vanderbilt transfer Ethan Smith also made his Tennessee debut. After receiving a waiver just two days before the season to be eligible, Smith pitched a scoreless seventh inning and picked up his first career win as a Vol.
The mid-state native did give up three hits, but didn't give up a walk and picked up a strikeout.
Headed for Home — Opening-series win
Most importantly, Saturday's win signified a series-opening win over for the Vols. They'll go for a sweep on Sunday when the two teams meet up in game three of the weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Key Plays:
B-1st: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 0
Luc Lipcius worked a one-out walk, but Jordan Beck and Drew Gilbert popped up to end the inning and strand Lipcius.
T-2nd: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 0
Georgia Southern's Jason Swan reached on a Trey Lipscomb error and then stole second and third, but Chase Dollander got a strikeout to get out of the inning and strand the runner.
B-3rd: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 0
Cortland Lawson hit a one-out single, but Christian Scott flied out to center and Lipcius lined out to the shortstop to end the inning.
B-4th: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 0
Trey Lipscomb bounced into a double-play to end the inning after a one-out walk from Drew Gilbert.
B-5th: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 0
Evan Russell stole second after working a one-out walk, and after Cortland Lawson drew a two-out walk, Christian Scott pop out to left to end the threat.
T-6th: Tennessee 0, Georgia Southern 3
Georgia Southern struck for three runs in the sixth after it led off with a single and double. The Eagles then drove in a run on a single, and a run on a groundout, respectively. They tacked on a third run by stealing home on a double-steal.
B-6th: Tennessee 3, Georgia Southern 3
Tennessee responded with three runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game. After a Kyle Booker RBI groundout, Evan Russell came through with a two-run single through the left side to tie the game.
B-7th: Tennessee 5, Georgia Southern 3
The Vols take the lead on an RBI double from Luc Lipcius to score Seth Stephenson from second after he walked and stole second.
Tennessee extended the lead to 5-3 when Kyle Booker was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
B-8th: Tennessee 10, Georgia Southern 3
Jorel Ortega extends the lead to 6-3 with a solo home run, his second of the season. Then, Drew Gilberts hits a grand slam, his first homer of the year, to put the Vols up 10-3.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, February 18
Game 1 – Georgia Southern (0) vs. Tennessee (9)
Saturday, February 19
Game 2 – Georgia Southern (3) vs. Tennessee (10)
Sunday, February 20
Game 3 – Georgia Southern vs. Tennessee – 1:00 p.m. ET
