Tennessee to Roll Out Same Weekend Rotation Against No. 4 Texas

Image: Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

KNOXVILLE – Head coach Josh Elander confirmed Thursday morning on 99.1 The Sports Animal that Tennessee will roll with the same weekend rotation as No. 4 Texas arrives in Knoxville for a three-game series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Right-hander Tegan Kuhns remains in the Friday night role after a tough outing in Lexington where the sophomore allowed 10 hits and 6 earned runs across 6 innings with 7 strikeouts in a 9-2 loss to Kentucky.

Left-hander Evan Blanco gets the ball again Saturday night. The senior is also looking to bounce back after giving up 6 earned runs on 6 hits with 5 strikeouts in 5 innings during Tennessee’s 12-2 run-rule loss in 8 innings last weekend.

Rutgers transfer Landon Mack will close the series Sunday at Noon ET. The sophomore right-hander delivered one of his best performances of the season in the finale at Kentucky, throwing 6 strong innings and allowing just 1 earned run on 6 hits while striking out 6 to help the Vols avoid the sweep and salvage the series 10-9.

Friday marks the first ever trip to Knoxville for the Longhorns and only the second meeting between the programs as SEC members. Tennessee won the previous matchup 7-5 in 12 innings at the SEC Tournament in Hoover last year. The Vols hold a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series dating back to 2008.