Vols Secure Thrilling Walk-Off Win, Signaling Promising Start to Elander Era
Tennessee baseball continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a 4-3 walk-off victory over Kent State on Friday night. The win, secured by a ninth-inning home run from Tyler Myatt, highlights a promising beginning to head coach Josh Elander’s tenure.
Myatt’s Heroics and the Power of the Late-Game Swing
Pinch-hitter Tyler Myatt delivered a clutch, walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing the win for the Volunteers. Myatt, a former star at Claiborne High School and a two-year player at Walters State Community College, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. This moment underscores the importance of developing versatile players capable of contributing in key situations.
Elander Addresses Free Passes and Defensive Resilience
Despite the victory, head coach Josh Elander acknowledged areas for improvement. He noted the team gave up nine free passes during the game, a statistic he described as “the opposite of the MO we’ve been preaching.” However, he too praised the team’s defense and Myatt’s game-winning swing, stating they “bailed us out.” This highlights a focus on discipline and minimizing errors, even while recognizing the team’s ability to overcome adversity.
Pitching Concerns: A Program Record for Hit Batters
The game also saw Tennessee tie a program record by hitting six batters. This unusual occurrence, following four games without hitting anyone, raises questions about pitching control and potential adjustments needed in the team’s approach. Elander will likely address this issue in practice, focusing on command and minimizing wild pitches.
Series Outlook and Upcoming Schedule
The Volunteers (5-0) will continue their series against Kent State with games on Saturday, February 21st at 4:00 p.m. ET, and Sunday, February 22nd at 1:00 p.m. ET. Both games will be streamed on SEC Network+. The series presents an opportunity for Tennessee to build momentum and further refine its game plan.
Probable Pitching Matchups
For Saturday’s game, Tennessee is expected to start RHP Tegan Kuhns (1-0, 0.00 ERA), while Kent State will counter with RHP Ciaran Caughey (1-0, 0.00 ERA). This pitching matchup sets the stage for a competitive contest between two strong arms.
Remembering Wes Rucker
Coach Elander took a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Tennessee sports writer Wes Rucker, describing him as a “day-one guy” and expressing heartfelt condolences to his family. This demonstrates the strong relationship between the team and the local media, and the impact of Rucker’s contributions to the Knoxville community.
Did you know?
Tennessee entered the Kent State series having outscored their opponents by a significant margin, 37-6.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Tennessee vs. Kent State baseball games?
A: Games will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Q: What time does the game start on Saturday?
A: Saturday’s game starts at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Q: Who is the probable pitcher for Tennessee on Saturday?
A: RHP Tegan Kuhns is the probable starter for Tennessee on Saturday.
Q: How did Tennessee win the first game of the series?
A: Tennessee won 4-3 with a walk-off solo home run by Tyler Myatt.
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