University of Tennessee Athletics
Tuesday, February 25
Knoxville
4:30 PM
University of Tennessee
vs
Northern Kentucky
Photo by: Caleb Jones/Tennessee Athletics
Baseball Central: Vols Host Northern Kentucky & UNC Asheville in Midweek Action
February 24, 2020 | Baseball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Fresh off an impressive weekend sweep at the Round Rock Classic, the newly ranked Tennessee baseball team will kick off a 10-game homestand with a pair of midweek games against Northern Kentucky and UNC Asheville on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Vols - who entered multiple polls this week and are ranked as high as 19th in the nation - outscored their three opponents 21-8 over the weekend, which was highlighted by a Friday-night victory over No. 1 Texas Tech. UT also defeated Houston and No. 25 Stanford.
Midweek Schedule / Broadcast Info
Tuesday, Feb. 25 vs. Northern Kentucky – 4:30 p.m. (WatchESPN)
Wednesday, Feb. 26 vs. UNC Asheville – 4 p.m. (SEC Network+)
Both of this week's midweek games will be streamed online via WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app. Wednesday's game versus Asheville will be the first full SEC Network+ broadcast of the season.
Fans can also listen to both games for free on UTSports.com as the Voice of Tennessee Baseball, John Wilkerson, calls the action.
Series History
vs. Northern Kentucky
Overall: UT leads, 1-0
In Knoxville: UT leads, 1-0
In Highland Heights: N/A
Neutral Sites: N/A
Last Meeting: W, 18-0 (Feb. 19, 2019)
vs. UNC Asheville
Overall: UT leads, 28-7
In Knoxville: UT leads, 24-7
In Asheville: UT leads, 4-0
Neutral Sites: N/A
Last Meeting: W, 7-2 (March 13, 2019)
Notable
Kings of Round Rock
Tennessee won last weekend's inaugural Round Rock Classic in dominant fashion, outscoring its three opponents 21-8, including two wins over ranked teams in No.1 Texas Tech and No. 25 Stanford. The Vols led all teams with five players on the all-tournament team: Zach Daniels (Tournament MVP), Jake Rucker, Connor Pavolony, Jordan Beck and Jackson Leath.
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Bullpen Shines Bright
Much like last season, the Tennessee pitching staff is off to a fantastic start, especially the bullpen. The Vols' relievers have a 0.56 ERA and have allowed just three runs (two earned) on 15 hits in 32.0 innings of work. They have held opposing batters to a paltry .139 batting average and have recorded 37 strikeouts while issuing just five walks.
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Over the weekend, UT's bullpen surrendered just two runs (one earned) on nine hits in 20.0 innings of work, while racking up 26 strikeouts. Leath and Drew Gilbert both picked up wins out of the pen while Sean Hunley and Redmond Walsh both recorded saves.
Starting Fast
The Vols have made a habit of getting off to fast starts and building early leads this season. UT has scored in either the first or second inning in all seven of its games this season and has outscored its opposition 24-1 over the first two innings of games. Â
Daniels Doing Big Things
After showing flashes of his potential during his first two years on Rocky Top, Daniels seems to have finally hit his stride this season. The junior slugger is tied for the team lead with three home runs and ranks fourth in the SEC with a team-high 11 RBI through seven games.
The Stockbridge, Georgia native has a slash line of .400/.516/.880 and has recorded at least one hit and one RBI in each of his last six games. Daniels was named the Round Rock Classic Tournament MVP after batting .333 with four hits, three runs, a double, a home run and three RBI.
Opponent Scout
Northern Kentucky Norse (0-7)
Upcoming promotions for all Tennessee athletics home events can be found on the UT Fan Experience page by clicking HERE.
TUESDAY
Tennessee will host George Washington at home this weekend. Game one of the series is slated for a 4 p.m. ET start on Friday and all three games will be streamed live on SEC Network +.
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Gameday/Stadium Policies & Information
All of the information listed below and more can be found on the Tennessee Baseball Gameday Information page HERE.
Parking
Baseball parking is located primarily in Lots GF3, GF4, and S23 at the Haslam Music Center. Lots C1, C22 and G16 are available only on dates that Thompson-Boling Arena and Neyland Stadium have no scheduled events. Additional street parking is located in C10 along Todd Helton Drive and Chamique Holdsclaw Drive, as well as along West Volunteer Blvd.
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Parking for MVP ticket holders is located in Lots GF1 and GF2.
Handicap parking is located in marked handicap spaces on Pat Head Summitt Street and in the G16 Volunteer Blvd garage.
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Beer Sales Policy
New this season, beer will be sold at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Protocol for beer sales will be consistent with all other on-campus venues that have sold alcohol this season.
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For more information, click HERE.
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Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to enhance safety and expedite fan entry at Tennessee athletic events, UT has implemented a clear bag policy at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and all other athletic facilities. Only one clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches (gallon size) per person is permitted. Fans are also allowed a small clutch purse not exceeding 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Gates will open until 90 minutes prior to game time.
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MORE INFO
Game & Broadcast Info
- Opponents: Northern Kentucky & UNC Asheville
- Dates: Feb. 25 & 26
- Location: Knoxville, Tenn.Â
- Venue: Lindsey Nelson Stadium (4,283)
- Watch: SECN+/WatchESPNÂ Â Â Â
- Listen: UTSports.com
- Live Stats: UTSports.com   Â
- Tickets: AllVols.com
No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers (7-0)
Roster Schedule StatsNorthern Kentucky Norse (0-7)
Roster Schedule StatsUNC Asheville Bulldogs (2-5)
Roster Schedule StatsThe Vols - who entered multiple polls this week and are ranked as high as 19th in the nation - outscored their three opponents 21-8 over the weekend, which was highlighted by a Friday-night victory over No. 1 Texas Tech. UT also defeated Houston and No. 25 Stanford.
Midweek Schedule / Broadcast Info
Tuesday, Feb. 25 vs. Northern Kentucky – 4:30 p.m. (WatchESPN)
Wednesday, Feb. 26 vs. UNC Asheville – 4 p.m. (SEC Network+)
Both of this week's midweek games will be streamed online via WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app. Wednesday's game versus Asheville will be the first full SEC Network+ broadcast of the season.
Fans can also listen to both games for free on UTSports.com as the Voice of Tennessee Baseball, John Wilkerson, calls the action.
Series History
vs. Northern Kentucky
Overall: UT leads, 1-0
In Knoxville: UT leads, 1-0
In Highland Heights: N/A
Neutral Sites: N/A
Last Meeting: W, 18-0 (Feb. 19, 2019)
vs. UNC Asheville
Overall: UT leads, 28-7
In Knoxville: UT leads, 24-7
In Asheville: UT leads, 4-0
Neutral Sites: N/A
Last Meeting: W, 7-2 (March 13, 2019)
Notable
Kings of Round Rock
Tennessee won last weekend's inaugural Round Rock Classic in dominant fashion, outscoring its three opponents 21-8, including two wins over ranked teams in No.1 Texas Tech and No. 25 Stanford. The Vols led all teams with five players on the all-tournament team: Zach Daniels (Tournament MVP), Jake Rucker, Connor Pavolony, Jordan Beck and Jackson Leath.
Â
Bullpen Shines Bright
Much like last season, the Tennessee pitching staff is off to a fantastic start, especially the bullpen. The Vols' relievers have a 0.56 ERA and have allowed just three runs (two earned) on 15 hits in 32.0 innings of work. They have held opposing batters to a paltry .139 batting average and have recorded 37 strikeouts while issuing just five walks.
Â
Over the weekend, UT's bullpen surrendered just two runs (one earned) on nine hits in 20.0 innings of work, while racking up 26 strikeouts. Leath and Drew Gilbert both picked up wins out of the pen while Sean Hunley and Redmond Walsh both recorded saves.
Starting Fast
The Vols have made a habit of getting off to fast starts and building early leads this season. UT has scored in either the first or second inning in all seven of its games this season and has outscored its opposition 24-1 over the first two innings of games. Â
Daniels Doing Big Things
After showing flashes of his potential during his first two years on Rocky Top, Daniels seems to have finally hit his stride this season. The junior slugger is tied for the team lead with three home runs and ranks fourth in the SEC with a team-high 11 RBI through seven games.
The Stockbridge, Georgia native has a slash line of .400/.516/.880 and has recorded at least one hit and one RBI in each of his last six games. Daniels was named the Round Rock Classic Tournament MVP after batting .333 with four hits, three runs, a double, a home run and three RBI.
Opponent Scout
Northern Kentucky Norse (0-7)
- 2019 Record: 15-42 (12-18 Horizon League)
- 2019 Postseason: N/A
- Head Coach: Todd Asalon (20th season) // Is 547-542-1 as head coach of NKU and led the program to eight Division II Tournament appearances before making the leap to Division I in 2013.
- The Norse were picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League Preseason Poll.
- NKU enters Tuesday's matchup in search of its first win after being swept by Troy (four games) and Furman to begin the year.
- The Norse returned all but one position player from their 2019 roster.
- The duo of Griffin Doersching and Jake Murray leads the team in nearly every offensive category.
- NKU's pitching staff is off to a rough start, having allowed 98 runs and 102 hits through seven games.
- 2019 Record: 16-36 (9-18 Big South)
- 2019 Postseason: N/A
- Head Coach: Scott Friedholm (6th season) // Has led the Bulldogs to 93 wins since taking over the program prior to the 2015 season.
- The Bulldogs were picked to finish ninth in the Big South Preseason Poll.
- UNC Asheville is coming off a series win on the road at UAB last weekend after dropping their first four games of the season.
- Easton Jones leads the team with a .400 batting average, 12 hits, five runs and a .455 on-base percentage, while Greg Gasparro ranks first on the squad with nine RBI and a .500 slugging percentage.
Upcoming promotions for all Tennessee athletics home events can be found on the UT Fan Experience page by clicking HERE.
TUESDAY
- Trivia Tuesday Sponsored by Moe's: Disney Island Theme
- $2 Tuesday: $2 General Admission Tickets | $2 Pretzels through 4th Inning
- WINS-DAY!: Nine innings of winnings for fans!
- Weekday Work Perk: $2 General Admission Tickets
Tennessee will host George Washington at home this weekend. Game one of the series is slated for a 4 p.m. ET start on Friday and all three games will be streamed live on SEC Network +.
Â
Gameday/Stadium Policies & Information
All of the information listed below and more can be found on the Tennessee Baseball Gameday Information page HERE.
Parking
Baseball parking is located primarily in Lots GF3, GF4, and S23 at the Haslam Music Center. Lots C1, C22 and G16 are available only on dates that Thompson-Boling Arena and Neyland Stadium have no scheduled events. Additional street parking is located in C10 along Todd Helton Drive and Chamique Holdsclaw Drive, as well as along West Volunteer Blvd.
Â
Parking for MVP ticket holders is located in Lots GF1 and GF2.
Handicap parking is located in marked handicap spaces on Pat Head Summitt Street and in the G16 Volunteer Blvd garage.
Â
Beer Sales Policy
New this season, beer will be sold at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Protocol for beer sales will be consistent with all other on-campus venues that have sold alcohol this season.
Â
For more information, click HERE.
Â
Clear Bag Policy
In an effort to enhance safety and expedite fan entry at Tennessee athletic events, UT has implemented a clear bag policy at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and all other athletic facilities. Only one clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches (gallon size) per person is permitted. Fans are also allowed a small clutch purse not exceeding 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Gates will open until 90 minutes prior to game time.
Players Mentioned
OF
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OF
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OF/LHP
/ Baseball
RHP
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RHP
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LHP
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