This past weekend, the Tennessee Volunteers etched their name in college baseball history by clinching their first national championship. The Volunteers triumphed over the Texas A&M Aggies in an exhilarating Game 3 of the College World Series finals, securing a narrow 6-5 victory and sealing their place in the annals of college sports.
A Historic Finale
The championship game was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the moment Christian Moore hit a home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning. Texas A&M responded in the third inning by evening the score at 1-1, but Tennessee was not to be outdone. Travis Chestnut's aggressive base running after a bunt single led to another run when he advanced to second on an error, stole third base, and scored on a Gavin Grahovic single.
The Volunteers continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Blake Burke's double set the stage for Dylan Dreiling, who brought him home with a sac fly. Hunter Ensley and Kavares Tears followed with singles, and Dean Curley drove home another run, extending Tennessee’s lead to 3-1.
Seizing Control
As the game progressed, Tennessee's offense exploded in the bottom of the seventh inning. Dreiling's two-run homer electrified the crowd and further extended their lead. Tears then doubled home Ensley, making it 6-1 and seemingly putting the game out of reach. However, Texas A&M would not go quietly into the night.
The Aggies rallied in the eighth inning, scoring two runs to narrow the gap to 6-3. Tennessee's reliever, Kirby Connell, struck out two batters in that inning, staving off further damage and maintaining the Volunteers’ lead.
The ninth inning saw Texas A&M mount a last-ditch effort. They managed to score two more runs, bringing the score to a nail-biting 6-5. However, Tennessee held firm and clinched the victory, realizing a dream that had been years in the making.
A Triumph of Resilience
Zander Sechrist, Tennessee's starting pitcher, delivered a masterful performance, allowing only one run over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking just one. His control and composure on the mound set the tone for his teammates to follow.
For the Volunteers, this victory is a culmination of a season marked by both dominance and resilience. As the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, Tennessee hosted a regional and advanced emphatically, outscoring Northern Kentucky, Indiana, and Southern Mississippi by a combined 33-15. They then decisively won Game 3 against Evansville in the Super Regional with a resounding 12-1 victory.
The Road to Glory
In the College World Series, Tennessee continued to demonstrate their championship pedigree, defeating Florida State 12-11, North Carolina 6-1, and then Florida State again with a 7-2 victory. After losing Game 1 of the finals and falling behind 1-0 in Game 2, the Volunteers rallied impressively, scoring two runs each in the seventh and eighth innings to win 4-1, setting the stage for their Game 3 triumph.
Of particular note was Christian Moore’s performance in Tennessee’s CWS-opening win over Florida State, where he hit for the second cycle in College World Series history, a testament to his exceptional talent and pivotal role in the Volunteers' success.
Overcoming Adversity
Texas A&M’s journey to the finals was commendable, especially considering they did so without their top hitter, Braden Montgomery, who was sidelined with a leg injury. The Aggies showcased their depth and tenacity, notably winning Game 1 of the finals with a score of 9-5. But ultimately, the relentless effort of the Volunteers proved insurmountable.
The 2019 College World Series concluded on June 24 with Tennessee's thrilling 6-5 win in Game 3, a date that will forever be remembered by Volunteers fans. This championship marks the crowning achievement of a season defined by grit, skill, and unyielding determination. The Tennessee Volunteers are now, and forever, champions of college baseball.