Vols break program record, run rule Alabama A&M

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Third-ranked Tennessee brought the bats to bear Wednesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium as it routed Alabama A&M, 23-1, for the second consecutive night. Redshirt sophomore catcher Charlie Taylor had a career day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored, a triple, two home runs and five RBIs.

Already leading 6-1 entering the home half of the fifth, Tennessee (3-2) hung 15 runs on the board to take a 21-1 lead. It was the most runs scored in one inning by the Vols in program history – besting the 14 runs UT posted at NC State and Chattanooga in 1998 and 1977. That total came thanks to eight hits, four of the extra-base variety. base, and three Alabama A&M (3-2) errors. Taylor recorded two hits in the inning, blasting a three-run shot in his first at-bat before picking up an RBI single to right on his second trip to the plate.

He wasn’t done yet when the Dunwoody, Georgia native led off the sixth inning with a blast into the newly installed third deck in left field. Total, Taylor finished the afternoon just double away from the cycle after belting a triple off the wall in the third inning. He set career bests in runs scored (3), hits (4), triples (1), total bases (12), and RBI (5).

In all, 12 Vols collected hits on the night as UT finished with 17 hits as a team and 17 combined RBIs.

Logan Chambers was 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and two runs scored, while Griffin Merritt also went 2-for-3 with two runs.

Tennessee’s pitching staff continued to impress, going 22 consecutive scoreless innings before the Bulldogs pushed across a run in the fifth. AAMU could only get three runners on base as Aaron Combs, Bryce Jenkins and Zach Joyce each retired all three batters they faced. Joyce was particularly impressive, coming out of the bullpen in the seventh inning, striking out all three batters he faced. In his young career in Tennessee, the right-hander has punched out all five individuals to step in the box against him.

Combs got the win in relief, replacing Zander Sechrist who fired two strong innings in his first start of the season. JUCO transfer picks up first Division I win. Tennessee pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts on the night, marking the third consecutive game with a double-hit by the Big Orange.

The Bulldogs opened the top half of the fifth after Miles Jackson tripled up the middle and scored on a bunt single by Jalen Ford.

UP NEXT

Tennessee returns to action on Friday as it opens a three-game set against Dayton. Friday’s first against the Flyers is scheduled for 4:30 PM ET on SEC Network+.