Tennessee baseball returns from Texas with momentum, perspective, and areas still to clean up.
The Vols went 2-1 at the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Arlington, dropping a 12-5 decision to No. 1 UCLA before responding with wins over Arizona State and Virginia Tech. The record mattered, but the response may have mattered more.
“I did walk away more impressed with UCLA, than I did thinking something too negative about Tennessee,” GoVols247’s Ben McKee said.
The opener against UCLA unraveled late, but McKee pointed to context behind the final score. Tennessee committed three errors and saw its bullpen struggle after Friday starter Tegan Kuhns exited.
“The bullpen kind of fell apart which is why the score looks the way that it did,” McKee said.
Kuhns struck out 10 but also allowed six runs, though only four were earned. McKee said the stat line did not fully reflect how well the right-hander threw against one of the nation’s top lineups.
“Tegan had really good stuff on on Friday,” McKee said. “Again, certainly could clean up the command and and be a little more consistent there. But a good stepping stone I I feel like against a really strong test.”
The biggest takeaway from the weekend came from how Tennessee’s bullpen responded.
After issuing walks and hitting batters against UCLA, Tennessee’s relievers flipped the script over the final two games. Brady Frederick, Cameron Appenzeller, Mark Hindy, and, Brayden Krenzel combined to shut down Arizona State and Virginia Tech. In each game, the arms limited scoring chances and pounding the strike zone.
“It it looked like a totally different bullpen uh on the the final two days,” McKee said.
That turnaround was critical for a staff that will need those arms in high leverage spots once Southeastern Conference play begins.
“If Tennessee is going to have a successful season, it’s those guys who are very talented that are going to have to pitch well,” McKee said.
Defensively, third base remains a developing storyline.
Henry Ford committed two errors against UCLA and is adjusting to a new position after previously playing first base at Virginia.
“I don’t think it’s time to to freak out,” McKee said. “I think there’s going to be some growing pains.”
Ford’s offensive production helped offset some of those defensive concerns. He hit .308 over the weekend and continues to be a central piece at the top of the lineup.
“Tennessee’s offense, it’s going to go as as as Henry Ford goes,” McKee said.
Levi Clark’s early numbers have drawn attention, but McKee noted the quality of contact suggests better days ahead despite a .167 weekend average.
“He’s barreling up more baseballs than his batting average would suggest,” McKee said.
Beyond the box scores, McKee described a steady clubhouse despite outside noise following a series loss to Kent State and the setback against UCLA.
“Good vibes. Good vibes for sure,” McKee said.
Tennessee now returns home for a five-game week before opening SEC play. February results rarely define a team’s ceiling, but the Vols’ response in Texas provided a clearer picture of their foundation.
“There was there was a sense of urgency,” McKee said. “They were very calm. They were very steady.”
For Tennessee, the lessons from Arlington may matter more than the loss that started it.
Tennessee returns to Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Tuesday when it faces ETSU at 4:00 p.m..
