The Tennessee Volunteers’ season is now in do-or-die mode after starting off their Super Regional on the wrong foot.
Tennessee fell 4-3 to Arkansas on Saturday evening in game one of the Fayetteville Super Regional. Marcus Phillips was shaky at times but kept Tennessee in the game, exiting with one out in the sixth with UT down 3-2. Unfortunately, that last run the Hogs would score in the sixth on a two-out single off of Brandon Arvidson would be the difference maker.
Tennessee took the lead in the fourth on a two-run homer to left center by Dean Curley to go up 2-1. That would be short lived, as Arkansas jumped back ahead 3-2 on an 84 mph lofted ball to left center that kept carrying and just got out.
Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer got the Vols within striking range in the ninth inning, clubbing a solo shot to right field to make the deficit 4-3. However, Dalton Bargo struck out to end the game and put the Vols in a spot where they have to win on Sunday and Monday to keep their season going and make Omaha for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Fortunately, Tony Vitello can turn to a red-hot Liam Doyle tomorrow evening to try to get Tennessee back in the series. They’ll need an ace-like performance, given just how well the Hogs are playing and how tough of an environment Baum-Walker Stadium has proven to be.
First pitch Sunday will be shortly after 3 pm ET on ESPN.