No. 1 Tennessee lost its first Southeastern Conference series of the 2022 season Saturday.
The Volunteers, however, were able to salvage the final contest of a three-game series, defeating Kentucky (26-21, 9-15 SEC), 7-2, at Kentucky Proud Park in Lexington.
Tennessee (42-6, 20-4 SEC) lost the series opener in 13 innings. The Vols lost a 5-2 decision in Friday’s game No. 2, which was finished Saturday as play was suspended due to inclement weather.
The Vols won the seven-inning series finale, scoring two runs in the sixth inning and three in the seventh.
Luc Lipcius hit a two-run single in the sixth inning to give the Vols a 4-2 lead. Jordan Beck hit a three-run home run in the final inning.
The Vols opened a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Drew Gilbert’s single plated Jorel Ortega.
The Wildcats pulled even in the third inning.
Tennessee regained the lead in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Cortland Lawson.
Kentucky tied the game, 2-2, before UT claimed victory.
Tennessee’s Redmond Walsh (3-1) pitched three innings. He yielded two walks and struck out two.
Drew Beam started for the Vols and pitched four innings. He gave up two runs (one earned), six hits and one walk, while striking out three.
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