Tennessee is off and running (hitting, pitching, and playing excellent defense). The season opening series saw the Vols pound Xavier pitching for 40 runs and three wins. Those numbers weren’t equaled last season until the eight game of the season. So a very good start for Coach Raleigh’s Vols.
Junior outfielder P.J. Polk earned the SEC Player of the Week honors. Polk led the way going 9 for 12 with 4 doubles and 2 RBI’s. Stephen McCray posted a solid 1.69 ERA over five and a third. On the defensive side of the ball, Zach Osborne played stellar shortstop for the Vols. The Diamond Vols who are off to their best start since 2004.
Next up will be the 25th (NCBWA Rankings) ranked Oregon State Beavers for three in Corvallis. This past weekend they took two out of three in Hawaii against the Rainbows this weekend. The Beavers play a fourth game to close out the series in Hawaii Monday night.
Tennessee split a shortened series with the Beavers to open the season at home last year. This time around, the Vols will go into Corvallis at Goss Stadium on Coleman Field.
The weekend was not only unseasonably warm, but was a great start for Tennessee all the way around. Coming into Corvallis this weekend the Vols may see some rain as there is a chance of rain particularly Friday and Saturday. The temperatures however will be in the mid-fifties. Whatever the weather, the Vols will look to stay hot as they build on their 3-0 start.
Following their west coast trip, Tennessee will return to the friendly confines of Lindsay Nelson Stadium and take on Eastern Kentucky Wednesday, March 04. First pitch will be at 4 p.m.
GO VOLS