Baseball

Tennessee Triumphs Over Georgia with 7-4 Victory in SEC Opener

by
Richard Hayes
March 14, 2026

After a week marked by offensive woes, Tennessee’s bats roared back to life in a thrilling SEC opener against No. 6 Georgia, securing a 7-4 victory in Athens. The Volunteers, fresh off a dominating 20-2 win over Tennessee Tech, showcased their resilience and power at the plate against a formidable opponent.

Henry Ford ignited the scoring in the top of the third inning with a clutch 2-run single that sent the Volunteers ahead. However, Georgia responded in the fifth, when Ryan Black launched a solo home run, marking the Bulldogs’ entry onto the scoreboard. The inning spiraled further for Tennessee as a flurry of hits allowed Georgia to plate three additional runs, pulling ahead 4-2 and ending the night for Tennessee starter Teagan Kuhns.

With their backs against the wall, Tennessee rallied in the sixth inning. The Volunteers loaded the bases, and Manny Marin stepped up, delivering a crucial 2-run double that tied the game at 4-4 and sent Georgia starter Joey Volchko to the dugout.

From that point on, Tennessee’s offense surged. Henry Ford, followed by Stone Lawless and Manny Marin, each launched solo home runs, propelling the Volunteers to a commanding 7-4 lead by the end of the eighth inning. The power display not only showcased the team’s offensive capabilities but also demonstrated their ability to seize momentum when it mattered most.

On the mound, Brandon Arvidson took over from Kuhns, delivering a stellar performance that kept Georgia at bay. Over 4.1 innings, Arvidson allowed just two hits while striking out four batters, earning his first win of the season.

With this victory, Tennessee improved to 14-4 and stands just one win away from clinching their first SEC series of the season. Coach Josh Elander’s squad has made a bold statement against a top-ten team on the road, and they will look to maintain this momentum as they prepare for Saturday’s game, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.