BSB PREVIEW: #3/13 Vols Kickoff Midweek Play by Hosting UNC Asheville

February 16, 2026 | Baseball

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following a series sweep of Nicholls to open the 2026 season, No. 3/13 Tennessee continues its eight-game homestand by welcoming UNC Asheville to Lindsey Nelson Stadium for the first midweek game of the year on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

MORE INFO

Game & Broadcast Info

Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 17
Location: Knoxville, Tenn.
Venue: Lindsey Nelson Stadium (8,012)
Watch: SEC Network+
Listen: UTSports.com/UT Athletics App
Live Stats: UTStats.com

#3/13 Tennessee (3-0 | 0-0 SEC)

Roster Schedule Stats Notes

UNC Asheville (2-2 | 0-0 Big South)

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During new head coach Josh Elander's time on UT's coaching staff (2018-pres.), the Vols have been dominant in midweek games, compiling a 77-11 overall record.

GAMEDAY INFO

Fans are encouraged to check the Tennessee Baseball Gameday Central page prior to each game for the most updated info in regards to parking, stadium policies, stadium entry points and more.

PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS

All upcoming promotions for all home games during the season can be found HERE.

TICKET INFORMATION

Single-game tickets for non-conference home games can be purchased through AllVols.com.

BROADCAST INFO

Tuesday's contest against the Bulldogs will be streamed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app with Charley Collier (PxP) and VFL Redmond Walsh (analyst) on the call.

Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara call the action via a free audio stream on UTSports.com, the Tennessee Athletics App and the Varsity App.

PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS

LHP Blaine Brown (0-0) vs. RHP Colin Woodard (0-0)

SERIES HISTORY

Vols vs. UNC Asheville
Overall: UT leads, 33-7
in Knoxville: UT leads, 29-7
in Asheville: UT leads, 4-0
at Neutral Sites: 0-0
Last Meeting: Feb. 18, 2025 (W, 29-4 in 7 inn.)

The Vols have won 11 straight against the Bulldogs with 10 of those contents taking place in Knoxville.

NOTABLE

Elander Era Off and Running
The Volunteers had a successful opening weekend as Elander recorded his first three official wins as a head coach. Tennessee outscored Nicholls 27-3 and posted a pair of run-rule victories en route to a series sweep, which was the program's fifth straight when playing at home on opening weekend (2019, 2020, 2022, 2025, 2026).

What Can Brown Do For You?
No player on UT's roster had a more impressive opening weekend than sophomore slugger Blaine Brown, who hit .571 with team highs in runs (seven), hits (eight), home runs (three), RBIs (five), total bases (18) and slugging percentage (1.286).

The Rice transfer homered twice and drove in four of the Vols' five runs in their game two win before going deep once more in game three of the series. Brown, a two-way talent, will make his season debut on the mound Tuesday as he's slated to get the start against the Bulldogs.

Premium Arms Shine on Opening Weekend
UT's pitching staff was dominant on opening weekend, holding Nicholls to just three runs on 14 hits and a .165 batting average. All three of the Vols' starters (Tegan Kuhns, Landon Mack, Evan Blanco) earned victories and had eight-plus strikeouts in their respective outings while allowing just one combined run.

The New LNS
Tennessee was able to showcase the newly renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium during opening weekend.

The stadium now has the amenities to match its elite environment after undergoing a $100-plus million renovation to transform it into one of the nation's finest facilities. The updated capacity for Lindsey Nelson Stadium is 8,012 after the newly added premium seating areas and additional standing room only spaces.

The following is a list of new amenities that will be in place at Lindsey Nelson Stadium for the 2026 season:
                - NEW: Home plate entrance and plaza area
                - NEW: Left field plaza entrance
                - NEW: Third level suites and club space
                - NEW: Additional chairback seats under a new mezzanine level
                - NEW: First base line restrooms and concessions
                - NEW: Left field bar on main concourse (behind the current 4Topps section)
                - NEW: Kitchen, which will enhance the food offerings throughout Lindsey Nelson Stadium
                - NEW: Ticket office and team merchandise shop inside the main entrance
                - NEW: Player entry corridor
                - NEW: Third base line restrooms, a mother's room and concessions which will open around SEC play
                - NEW: Multiple elevators
                - NEW: Permanent, programmable LED and stadium lighting
                - Fully completed mezzanine level with a new press box and broadcast booths
                - Renovated concessions on main concourse behind home plate
                - MVP Room expansion

OPPONENT SCOUT

UNC Asheville Bulldogs

2025 Record: 15-35 (8-16 Big South)
2025 Postseason: N/A
2026 Big South Conference Preseason Poll: 9^th
Interim Head Coach: Alex Raburn
- Overall Record: 2-2 (1^st year)
- Record at UNCA: Same
Preseason All-Conference Selections: N/A