AJ Russell stands out as Vols secure victory against Texas Tech in the opening game.
In Arlington, Texas, Tennessee capitalized on AJ Russell’s dominant pitching performance and Billy Amick’s strong batting display to secure a 6-2 victory over Texas Tech in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown opener on Friday night.
The Vols (1-0) are set to return to Globe Life Park on Saturday for a matchup against Oklahoma (0-1) at 8 pm Eastern Time.
Russell made an impressive debut as a weekend starter, pitching as a sophomore right-hander, allowing only two runs and striking out 10 in 73 pitches. AJ Causey also played a crucial role out of the bullpen, maintaining the lead in the fifth inning.
Tennessee’s offense came alive with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by Billy Amick’s two-run homer. They added three more runs in the eighth inning, finishing with six runs on eight hits and no defensive errors, while Texas Tech managed two runs on five hits and one error.
Kyle Robinson (0-1) suffered the loss for the Red Raiders, giving up three runs (two earned) over 3.2 innings. AJ Causey (1-0) earned the win, pitching the final 4.2 innings without allowing any runs.
Texas Tech will face Nebraska on Saturday at 4 pm ET.
Scoring Summary:
– Top 4th: Billy Amick hit a two-run homer, putting the Vols ahead 2-0.
– Top 4th: Bradke Lohry reached first base on a fielding error, allowing Kavarez Tears to score, extending the lead to 3-0.
– Bottom 5th: TJ Pompey’s triple brought in two runs for Texas Tech, cutting the lead to 3-2.
– Top 8th: Bradke Lohry’s sacrifice fly scored Billy Amick, making it 4-2 Vols.
– Top 8th: Dylan Dreiling scored on a wild pitch, extending the lead to 5-2.
– Top 8th: Hunter Ensley’s single brought in Kavares Tears, sealing the victory at 6-2 for the Vols.
