Free Passes Cost Vols In Series-Opening Loss To #13 Alabama

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Some uncharacteristic command issues from Tennessee’s pitching staff doomed the Vols in a 12-8 loss to No. 13 Alabama in Thursday night’s series opener at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Big Orange (27-15, 8-11 SEC) actually outhit the Crimson Tide, 11-10, on the night but allowed 16 free passes with 10 walks and six hit batters.  

Garrett Wright led the way again at the plate for UT as the junior standout turned in a 2-for-5 day with a pair of solo home runs, three runs scored and three RBIs.

Henry Ford and Manny Marin combined for three hits, three runs and three RBIs, as well, while Trent Grindler had another multi-hit game with two singles. One of Ford’s hits was a two-run homer in the sixth inning, his team-leading 13th round tripper of the year.

After trading blows through the first five innings, Alabama (29-14, 10-9 SEC) started to pull away with three runs in the top of the sixth and three more in the seventh, largely aided by walks and hit batters by Tennessee.

Nic Abraham was one of the few bright spots for the Vols on the mound Thursday night, turning in two scoreless innings while allowing two hits. 

Designated hitter Eric Hines led the Tide with four RBIs while Bryce Fowler also had a productive night with three hits and three RBIs.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Per expected inclement weather on Saturday, Tennessee and Alabama will now play a doubleheader on Friday with the first game starting at 2:30 p.m. 

Game two of the twin bill will begin at 6:30 p.m. or approximately 45 minutes following the conclusion of the first game.

TICKET INFO: Game one of the doubleheader at 2:30 p.m. will honor Saturday’s tickets while game two at 6:30 p.m. remains the regular ticketed event for Friday.