KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In an impressive performance at the Knoxville Regional, the Tennessee Volunteers secured a 10-6 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday night. Dean Curley shone brightly with four RBIs, including a powerful solo home run, while Andrew Fischer contributed significantly with two doubles and three RBIs.
Tennessee, boasting a record of 45-16 and as the defending national champion, is on the cusp of advancing to the super regionals for an impressive fifth consecutive year. A win on Sunday against the victor of the match between the No. 3 seed Bearcats and second-seeded Miami of Ohio will secure their place. Miami previously fell to Cincinnati 11-6 on Friday.
Gavin Kilen had an outstanding performance, collecting four hits and crossing home plate three times for the Volunteers. Pitcher Marcus Phillips, with a record of 4-4, showcased his skill by allowing just three runs on four hits. He also achieved eight strikeouts over six innings despite issuing four walks. Brandon Arvidson played a crucial role in the ninth inning, striking out Cincinnati’s pinch-hitter Kory Klingenbeck with runners on second and third to record his first save of the season.
Curley set the tone early with a two-run single off Cincinnati’s starter Kellen O’Connor, who stands at 3-3 this season, in the first inning. He followed this up with a home run in the third, pushing Tennessee’s lead to 3-0. However, Cincinnati responded in the home half of the inning with Jack Natili’s RBI single and Cal Sefcik’s sacrifice fly, narrowing the score to a one-run game.
The Volunteers extended their lead in the fourth when Kilen tripled and later scored on Fischer’s groundout. Fischer ignited a four-run rally in the sixth with a crucial two-RBI double, creating a substantial 8-2 advantage for Tennessee. Manny Marin’s two-run single in the ninth inning further increased Tennessee’s lead to 10-2.
Despite Cincinnati’s efforts, Christian Mitchelle managed a solo home run in the seventh inning. Additionally, both Quinton Coats and Sefcik contributed with RBI plays in the ninth inning, finalizing the score at 10-6.