Appenzeller Set for Second-Career Start as Vols Open SEC Tournament
Image: Drew Garrison/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
HOOVER – After being named to the All-SEC Freshman Team on Monday, freshman left-hander Cam Appenzeller will make the second start of his young career as No. 10 seed Tennessee opens SEC Tournament play Tuesday evening against No. 15 seed South Carolina.
Tennessee enters Hoover with momentum after back-to-back series wins, taking two of three from No. 4 Texas and following it with another road series victory at Oklahoma. The Vols had three players earn SEC honors on Monday, with ace right-hander Tegan Kuhns landing on the All-SEC Second Team and designated hitter Trent Grindlinger joining Appenzeller on the All-SEC Freshman Team.
Appenzeller’s only previous start came in midweek action against West Georgia, where the Chatham (Ill.) native struck out 2 batters in a scoreless inning before turning the game over to the bullpen. He has been one of Tennessee’s most bullpen trusted arms throughout the season and now gets the ball in the Vols’ postseason opener.
Tuesday will also mark Tennessee’s first game using the new Automated Balls Strike System implemented for the SEC Tournament. Each team will receive 3 challenges and will retain any challenge that is successful.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network, with the winner advancing to face No. 7 Arkansas on Wednesday.
