Score: Tennessee 8, UAlbany 5
Location: Lindsey Nelson Stadium - Knoxville, Tenn.
Records: UAlbany (0-1, 0-0 America East) | Tennessee (5-1, 0-0 SEC)
Short Story: The University at Albany baseball team fought back in a narrow loss to #9 Tennessee to open their 2024 season.
Key Stat Lines
- UAlbany Pitchers:
- Mike Prisco powered the offense, driving in three runs with two hits, including a home run.
- Ryan Ferremi and Will Binder both finished the game with a hit and an RBI each.
- Jared Toby, Levi McAllister, and John Vittucci also recorded a hit in the contest.
- UAlbany left six runners on base while Tennessee stranded eight.
Head Coach Jon Mueller: "Tennessee is loaded throughout the line-up with power from both sides. We saw three premium arms and offensively we cashed in on nearly all the opportunities we had. Birkman was outstanding in his first start. We hurt ourselves with some defensive miscues but also made some plays. Will need another strong start to be competitive tomorrow."
How it Happened:
- Owen Birkman started on the mound for the Great Danes. AJ Russell started on the mound for the Volunteers.
- Tennessee got on the board first in the third inning. After a lead-off single, Dylan Dreiling hit a sharp single up the middle to score the runner from second. Billy Amick added another run after beating out a slow ground ball to short. With two outs, Dean Curley reached on a throwing error that cleared the bases, extending the Volunteer's lead to 5-0.
- In the top of the fourth, Chris Stamos took over on the bump for Tennessee.
- Mike Prisco slugged a two-run bomb in the top of the sixth to get the Great Danes on the board and within striking distance.
- Ryan Pittz was brought in from the bullpen by UAlbany in the bottom of the sixth inning.
- Tennessee brought in AJ Causey in the seventh inning.
- With two on and one out in the seventh, Michael DiMartino came in to pitch for the Great Danes.
- In the bottom of the seventh, Kavares Tears scored on a passed ball before Blake Burke hit a two-run shot to extend Tennessee's advantage to 8-3.
- Starting the top of the eight, the first two batters for UAlbany reached base safely. Will Binder chopped a ground ball to the right side to bring in a run. Prisco extended the inning by driving the ball through the infield to score Ryan Ferremi, making it 8-4.
- The Great Danes looked to make a comeback in the ninth with Ferremi driving in a run but it was too late as Tennessee held on to win, 8-5.
Next: UAlbany will square off against Tennessee for game 2 of the series, Saturday at 2 pm.
