University of Tennessee Athletics
Wednesday, March 30
Knoxville
5:30 PM
University of Tennessee
vs
Western Carolina
Photo by: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
BSB PREVIEW: Top-Ranked Vols Host Western Carolina
March 29, 2022 | Baseball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a series sweep on the road over previously top-ranked Ole Miss, newly appointed No. 1/1 Tennessee returns home for a midweek matchup against Western Carolina on Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m.
Â
The Vols are riding a 15-game win streak entering Wednesday's contest with the Catamounts, which is tied for the second longest in program history. A win on Wednesday would tie the program record for consecutive wins, which is 16 by the 1994 team.
Single-game tickets for all games can also be purchased through Vivid Seats, the exclusive resale marketplace for Tennessee Athletics, by clicking HERE.
In order to keep Lindsey Nelson Stadium as full as possible, we are encouraging season ticket holders who are unable to use their tickets for a game(s) to either transfer your tickets to someone else (Instructions HERE).
The online broadcast can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.
Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara call the game on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 17-4
In Cullowhee: Tennessee leads, 6-3
Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: W, 14-12 (4/13/21 in Cullowhee, N.C.)
The Vols have won each of the past seven meetings against the Catamounts, including a pair of victories last season, one in Knoxville and one in Cullowhee.
After earning their first-ever No. 1 ranking by any poll last week (Perfect Game), the Vols enter this week as college baseball's unanimous No. 1 ranked team after sweeping previously top-ranked Ole Miss last weekend in Oxford.
Â
More Weekly Honors for the Big Orange
Following a dominant weekend by the pitching staff, two Tennessee hurlers earned weekly conference honors for their efforts. Sophomore right hander Chase Dollander was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after tossing 6.1 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against one of the league's top lineups to secure the series win on Saturday night.
Â
Friday starter Chase Burns earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition after a dominant performance in the series opener, silencing a sold-out crowd throughout the night at Swayze Field in his first-career SEC road start. The freshman right hander set a new career high with 11 strikeouts and did not allow a single walk while giving up just two hits and one run in seven innings, which was also a career high. By earning the win, Burns improved to 5-0 on the year, which is tied for the best mark in the SEC.
Â
Vols Off to Historic Start
Tennessee's 23-1 record is the best through the first 24 games of a season in program history, besting the previous mark of 21-3 in 2001. The Vols are just the sixth team to make it through the first two weeks of SEC play unbeaten since the league went to a 30-game conference schedule in 1996.
Â
Midweek Success
The Big Orange are a perfect 6-0 in midweek games this season and have posted a 45-7 overall record in such games under head coach Tony Vitello (2018-pres.).
Â
Another Weekend, Another Sweep Â
Tennessee recorded its fifth series sweep this season after taking all three games on the road at then No. 1 Ole Miss this past weekend. Since Vitello took over as head coach in 2018, the Vols have swept 17 weekend series (not including tournaments).
Â
Series Sweeps by Year Under Vitello
2022: 5 | 2021: 5 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 3 | 2018: 2
Fans are encouraged to download the My All App for their phones and devices this season. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and will allow fans to participate in in-game trivia, the custom filter selfie cam and more throughout the year.
One of the first things fans will see upon arriving is an additional deck of porches behind the left-field wall as well as new chair-back bleacher seating down the left-field line.
All porches for the 2022 season are sold out, however, the left-field bleachers will be sold as general admission seating. Additional food and beverage options will be located next to the new bleachers throughout the year. For SEC games, a VolShop location and food trucks will be located in that area, as well.
UT has removed the playground down the right-field line and re-branded the area as "The Deck", which will feature a standing room only area for UT's students while also providing additional concessions options to help negate congestion throughout the main concourse. In order to enhance the gameday experience, a Petro's Chili & Chips, Moe's Southwest Grill, Gameday Sausage kiosk and a new beer kiosk have been added to the deck area.
Vol fans can look for Coca-Cola, popcorn and beer at kiosks on the Plaza located down the first-base line. The VolShop will have hats and merchandise available on the Plaza, as well. The Fan Experience Hub, your one-stop shop for game programs, posters, schedule cards, contest info and more, will also be located in the Plaza area.
Tennessee's MVP season-ticket holders will also be greeted with a brand new, completely renovated MVP Room this season.
MORE INFO
Game & Broadcast InfoÂ
- Opponent: Western Carolina Catamounts
- Date/Time: March 30 / 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Knoxville, Tenn.
- Venue: Lindsey Nelson Stadium
- Watch: SEC Network+/ESPN App
- Listen: Vol Network/UTSports.com
- Live Stats: UTSports.com
#1/1 Tennessee (23-1 | 6-0 SEC)
Roster Schedule StatsWestern Carolina (11-13 | 0-0 SoCon)
Roster Schedule Stats Digital Gameday Guide UT Baseball Record Book Ticket Info Baseball Gameday Info Clear Bag Policy Follow @UTGameday Official Gameday App Buy Tennessee GearÂ
The Vols are riding a 15-game win streak entering Wednesday's contest with the Catamounts, which is tied for the second longest in program history. A win on Wednesday would tie the program record for consecutive wins, which is 16 by the 1994 team.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
For the most updated gameday information related to Tennessee baseball, please visit our Gameday Central page by clicking HERE. The baseball Gameday Central page contains info in regard to tickets, parking, stadium policies and more.TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets and single-game tickets for all SEC contests are SOLD OUT. Limited standing room only tickets will go on sale for all games 90 minutes prior to first pitch. Single-game tickets for Wednesday's game are also sold out, but tickets all remaining midweek home games can be purchased at AllVols.com or by calling the Tennessee Athletic ticket office at 865-656-1200.Single-game tickets for all games can also be purchased through Vivid Seats, the exclusive resale marketplace for Tennessee Athletics, by clicking HERE.
In order to keep Lindsey Nelson Stadium as full as possible, we are encouraging season ticket holders who are unable to use their tickets for a game(s) to either transfer your tickets to someone else (Instructions HERE).
BROADCAST INFO
Wednesday's game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app as Roger Hoover (PxP) and former MLB pitcher and Knoxville native Chad Bell (analyst) call the action.The online broadcast can be accessed on any mobile device through WatchESPN. WatchESPN can be accessed through the ESPN App, or online at espn.com/watch.
Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara call the game on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS
LHP Zander Sechrist (2-0, 2.29 ERA) vs. RHP Zebby Matthews (0-4, 5.60 ERA)SERIES HISTORY
Overall: Tennessee leads, 24-7In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 17-4
In Cullowhee: Tennessee leads, 6-3
Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: W, 14-12 (4/13/21 in Cullowhee, N.C.)
The Vols have won each of the past seven meetings against the Catamounts, including a pair of victories last season, one in Knoxville and one in Cullowhee.
NOTABLE
Top-Ranked VolsAfter earning their first-ever No. 1 ranking by any poll last week (Perfect Game), the Vols enter this week as college baseball's unanimous No. 1 ranked team after sweeping previously top-ranked Ole Miss last weekend in Oxford.
Â
More Weekly Honors for the Big Orange
Following a dominant weekend by the pitching staff, two Tennessee hurlers earned weekly conference honors for their efforts. Sophomore right hander Chase Dollander was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week after tossing 6.1 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts against one of the league's top lineups to secure the series win on Saturday night.
Â
Friday starter Chase Burns earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition after a dominant performance in the series opener, silencing a sold-out crowd throughout the night at Swayze Field in his first-career SEC road start. The freshman right hander set a new career high with 11 strikeouts and did not allow a single walk while giving up just two hits and one run in seven innings, which was also a career high. By earning the win, Burns improved to 5-0 on the year, which is tied for the best mark in the SEC.
Â
Vols Off to Historic Start
Tennessee's 23-1 record is the best through the first 24 games of a season in program history, besting the previous mark of 21-3 in 2001. The Vols are just the sixth team to make it through the first two weeks of SEC play unbeaten since the league went to a 30-game conference schedule in 1996.
Â
Midweek Success
The Big Orange are a perfect 6-0 in midweek games this season and have posted a 45-7 overall record in such games under head coach Tony Vitello (2018-pres.).
Â
Another Weekend, Another Sweep Â
Tennessee recorded its fifth series sweep this season after taking all three games on the road at then No. 1 Ole Miss this past weekend. Since Vitello took over as head coach in 2018, the Vols have swept 17 weekend series (not including tournaments).
Â
Series Sweeps by Year Under Vitello
2022: 5 | 2021: 5 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 3 | 2018: 2
OPPONENT SCOUT
Western Carolina Catamounts- Record: 11-13 (0-0 SoCon)
- 2021 Postseason: N/A
- 2022 SoCon Preseason Poll: 3rd
- Head Coach: Bobby Moranda (15th year)
- Preseason Conference Honors:
- SS Pascanel Ferreras (1st team/POTY)
- SP Zebby Matthews (1st team)
- 2B Will Prater (1st team)
- DH Daniel Walsh (2nd team)
- Stat Leaders:
- Batting Avg: Seth Graves (.365)
- Runs: Zach Ketterman (29)
- Hits: Will Prater (31)
- Home Runs: Drew Needham (6)
- RBI: Pascanel Ferreras (20)
- Stolen Bases: Bryson Parks (11)
- Wins: Campbell/Corn (3)
- Saves: Zach Franklin (2)
- ERA (min. 10 IP): Zach Franklin (1.86)
- WHIP (min. 10 IP): Zach Franklin (1.03)
- Innings Pitched: Zebby Matthews (35.1)
- Strikeouts: Zebby Matthews (48)
GAME PROMOTIONS
Gameday promotions for all Tennessee athletics home events can be found on the UT Fan Experience page by clicking HERE.Fans are encouraged to download the My All App for their phones and devices this season. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and will allow fans to participate in in-game trivia, the custom filter selfie cam and more throughout the year.
NEW TO LINDSEY NELSON STADIUM
With a palpable excitement surrounding the program, Lindsey Nelson Stadium has added some new and improved seating areas and fan amenities to increase capacity and provide a better fan experience this season.One of the first things fans will see upon arriving is an additional deck of porches behind the left-field wall as well as new chair-back bleacher seating down the left-field line.
All porches for the 2022 season are sold out, however, the left-field bleachers will be sold as general admission seating. Additional food and beverage options will be located next to the new bleachers throughout the year. For SEC games, a VolShop location and food trucks will be located in that area, as well.
UT has removed the playground down the right-field line and re-branded the area as "The Deck", which will feature a standing room only area for UT's students while also providing additional concessions options to help negate congestion throughout the main concourse. In order to enhance the gameday experience, a Petro's Chili & Chips, Moe's Southwest Grill, Gameday Sausage kiosk and a new beer kiosk have been added to the deck area.
Vol fans can look for Coca-Cola, popcorn and beer at kiosks on the Plaza located down the first-base line. The VolShop will have hats and merchandise available on the Plaza, as well. The Fan Experience Hub, your one-stop shop for game programs, posters, schedule cards, contest info and more, will also be located in the Plaza area.
Tennessee's MVP season-ticket holders will also be greeted with a brand new, completely renovated MVP Room this season.
ON DECK
Tennessee goes back on the road for another highly anticipated SEC series this weekend as the Vols head west for an in-state showdown with No. 3/9 Vanderbilt at Hawkins Field in Nashville. First pitch for Friday's series opener against the Commodores is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Players Mentioned
BSB | Tennessee Super Regional Postgame Presser at Arkansas (6.8.25)
Sunday, June 08
BSB | Tennessee Super Regional Postgame Presser at Arkansas (6.7.25)
Saturday, June 07
BSB | Tennessee Official Super Regional Preview Press Conference (6.6.25)
Friday, June 06
BSB | Tony Vitello Pre-NCAA Super Regional Media Availability (6.5.25)
Thursday, June 05
