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Before Friday’s SEC opener at Alabama, Tennessee has been hitting the ball like it’s 2022, but their pitching has also been playing well.
With a 17-1 lead, UT’s home run edge is the most striking statistic. With 16 straight victories, the No. 6 Vols have outscored their opponents 49-10.
In their 57-9 season in 2022, the Vols hit 158 home runs, which led the country. With 52 home runs, Georgia is currently ranked second nationally, ahead of the Vols.
However, Tennessee’s pitching has also contributed to its success.
With a team earned-run average of 2.78, the Vols are ranked fourth in the country. They also have momentum when pitching.
In the last six games, just one side has scored more than three runs. Coach Tony Vitello has been trying out a deep staff, most of whose positions are still up in the air.
The Vols will start the series against No. 12 Alabama (15-2) on Friday with AJ Causey and Drew Beam on Saturday. Sunday is still a mystery.
Vitello told Knox News, “We can’t afford to worry about Sunday until it comes.” “The tangible component of the pitching strategy will be Causey and Beam. Then, there is the general sentiment.
AJ Russell, the starter, will eventually come into the mix. An injury to his upper torso has kept him out of action.
Vitello stated, “He’s still sore.” “He’s throwing, but he’s not quite ready to play.” We would want to hold him out this time of year.”
In a recent start, Causey, a transfer from Jacksonville State, struck out twelve batters in six innings. Given his durability and unusual sidearm delivery, Vitello first saw him in a more adaptable role. However, Causey seized the chance to start after Russell’s injury, and he has excelled.
“He’s what kids call a dog,” Vitello remarked. He is a capable teammate who values preparation much. He’s got a great friend in Beam. They are both comparable.
Like Causey, Beam is 3-0 and has performed as expected. In his first two seasons at Tennessee, he finished 17-5.
It is still unclear who will pitch when among the remaining staff members. It is not unexpected. In SEC play, the results will signify more, but Vitello is not required to assign positions at the beginning of the season. He probably won’t have a closing in his bullpen either.
He added, “I think having more options is better than having fewer.” It’s hard to rely just on one man. What happens if he burns out?
This weekend, Vitello ought to learn more about his pitching staff. With 33 home runs, Alabama is 13th in the nation in terms of home runs and ninth in team batting average (one spot ahead of the Vols).
Every aspect of the switch from nonconference play to SEC competition may be somewhat abrupt. To find out why, simply look at the top 25 rankings.
Six of the top ten teams in the country and four of the top five, led by No. 1 Arkansas, are from the SEC. In the top 20, there are nine SEC teams.
Do the Vols deserve to be ranked No. 5? It’s too soon to say. However, it’s safe to conclude that this squad’s lineup is stronger than that of the club that made it to the College World Series the previous season.
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