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Tennessee Pitching
This weekend’s matchup with Tennessee will be similar to last weekend’s with Alabama in the sense that neither team has good pitching. Once a team gets beyond Friday starter Hunter Martin (3.47 ERA, 1.16 WHIP), there isn’t much to scare opposing batters. Tennessee has the second worst ERA (5.60) and the highest batting average against in SEC play.
The only arm besides Martin’s that would concern the Aggies is Jon Lipinski’s who has only given up one earned run in 17 innings out of the bullpen and 2 saves. The other starting pitchers could be Garrett Stallings, Zach Warren, or Zach Lingingfelter as Tennessee has had a revolving door at the other two starting positions behind Martin due to poor performances. Warren and Lingingfelter both have ERA’s above 4.45. Stallings has the best command out of that trio as he has only allowed 7 walks in 39 innings compared to 20 and 16 walks respectively for the other two pitchers.
Tennessee Hitting
Third baseman Jordan Rodgers is by far the best batter for the Vols with a .379 avg, 5 home runs and 21 RBI. He has reached base safely every game this season. Given how much baseball is a season of ups and downs, there is something to be said for that consistency. Catcher Pete Derkay has been a great hitter too as evidenced by his patient approach at the plate that has led to a .330 batting average and drawing 27 walks on the year. Other key contributors are Andre Lipcius (.315 avg, 0 HRs, 19 RBI) and Justin Ammons (.306 avg, 1 HR and 12 RBI).
As a whole, Tennessee ranks amongst the lowest in all the major offensive categories, with the most notable struggles being the worst SEC team in terms of home runs and the second lowest scoring team. This is a team that bats for contact, not power. In addition to their home runs struggles, they also have the second fewest doubles in the SEC.