Vols Turn to Evan Blanco Against Arkansas in SEC Tournament

Image: Ryan Beatty/Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

HOOVER – A six-run third inning from No. 10 seed Tennessee put the game out of reach early for No. 15 seed South Carolina as the Vols rolled to an 11-6 win at the Hoover Met to advance to face No. 7 seed Arkansas on Wednesday evening. Outfielder Garrett Wright and third baseman Henry Ford each homered in the victory as Tennessee opened postseason play eyeing to return back to Knoxville for regional action.

Senior left-hander Evan Blanco, who enters the day with a 7-3 record and a 4.56 ERA, will take the mound as No. 24 Tennessee looks to continue its push toward hosting a regional in Josh Elander’s inaugural season as head coach. Blanco, a Virginia transfer in his final collegiate season, has won his past two starts against No. 4 Texas and on the road at Oklahoma. He threw a career-high 111 pitches against the Longhorns and has combined to strike out 14 batters across 13 innings in those two outings.

If Tennessee advances, ace right-hander Tegan Kuhns is expected to pitch Friday against No. 2 seed Texas. Kuhns struck out a career-high 15 Longhorns in 7 innings during their first meeting this season at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, a performance that earned him SEC Pitcher of the Week honors.

First pitch against Arkansas is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network, though delays are possible after Tuesday’s extended stoppages caused by ABS challenges.