Who does Tennessee baseball play next? Taking a look at the Volunteers' upcoming College World Series game
The Tennessee Volunteers are two wins away from claiming their first-ever College World Series. After Wednesday's emphatic 7-2 win over the Florida State Seminoles, the Vols qualified for the second-ever College World Series finals and their first in the current century.
Now, the Volunteers will play against rival SEC school Texas A&M in a best-of-three series that starts this Saturday. Tennessee comes in as the clear favorite, having won the SEC regular season and tournament.
Tennessee did not face Texas A&M during the SEC regular season. However, the Vols were victorious over the Aggies when they faced off in the second round of the SEC tournament last month. Tennessee won 7-4 and went on to claim the SEC title.
Tony Vitello's men will attempt to become the first No. 1 seed to win the College World Series since 1999.
Tony Vitello's reaction to Tennessee's qualification to the College World Series finals
Vitello was straightforward with the press in the aftermath of the victory over the Seminoles, with him commenting about the steady but arduous process that allowed them to get to this phase:
"We always say before something happens, something happens. There's been a lot of build-up into the successes we've had this year and the failures, too, to be honest with you. And it's been fun to be a part of.
As far as my emotions, I'm kind of at the point where I'm just following these guys. There are certain tasks I have to do, and there's direction I give them, and they'll listen. But kind of following them right now. Makes it nice"
Vitello also spoke about the importance of Zander Sechrist's contribution to Tennessee's win over FSU:
"Just kind of want to always make sure I'm doing my part in putting these guys in a good position to succeed. But Zander wouldn't let you take the ball out of his hand today. We decided to utilize those guys... But it is cool to see a cultivation of just like Burke's development and Kirby being a mainstay of this program and Zander, his contribution."
Sechrist threw six innings, giving up five hits and allowing two earned runs. He struck out three and walked one batter. He had a very good 3.22 ERA. The first game of the final series will be played on Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. and it will air on ESPN.