University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Defeat Belmont, 2-1, in Fall Scrimmage Action
October 14, 2016 | Baseball
Photos: Scout Day | Photos: Scrimmage vs. Belmont
Knoxville, Tenn. -- Tennessee fans got their first look at the 2016-17 Vol Baseball team on Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, as the Volunteers took a 2-1 win over the Belmont Bruins in fall scrimmage action.
Tennessee got on the board early with a leadoff double to left from junior Brodie Leftridge followed by freshman left fielder Justin Ammons, who singled to score Leftridge and give UT an early advantage.
In the bottom of the sixth, senior third baseman Jordan Rodgers doubled to left and was driven in by junior catcher Benito Santiago to extend the Vols' lead to 2-0.
In the seventh, UT then got on base with a leadoff walk from freshman first baseman Pete Derkay. Senior Matt Waldren put down a bunt in the next at-bat to reach first before senior infielder Max Bartlett singled to make it two men on. Graduate transfer Reggie Southall then drew a walk to load the bases.
Despite the threat from the Vols, Belmont was able to get out of the jam and keep the score at 2-0.
The Bruins came back to threaten in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded but only scratched one run across.
At the plate, Tennessee combined for eight hits on the night led by Rodgers, who was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
Paced by sophomore starter Will Neely, the Vol pitching staff struck out eight Bruin batters. Belmont was held to just two hits in the contest, while junior lefty Zach Warren recorded three of the Vols' eight strikeouts.
Freshmen pitchers Garrett Stallings and Zach Linginfelter both made their first mound appearances in a Tennessee uniform against Belmont. Stallings pitched 2.0 hitless innings and recorded one strikeout. Fellow righty Linginfelter later matched his teammate with an identical line.
Up Next for the Vols: The tradition of Vol Baseball's Orange and White World Series is set for October 25-29. Designed as an intrasquad, best-of-five series, Tennessee will play its Orange and White World Series Championship game on Saturday, Oct. 29, signaling the end of fall ball and Tennessee Baseball Family Weekend for all members of the 2016-17 Volunteers squad.
Capping off Tennessee's fall schedule, UT will hold their third annual Halloween Extravaganza on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the ballpark. Dressed fully in Halloween costumes of their choice, the baseball team will hit the field for an open practice and scrimmage game for the fun and entertainment of Vol Baseball fans, friends and family.
