July 4, 2024

Billy Amick is finding his rhythm in the Tennessee baseball lineup following the opening weekend.


Billy Amick stepped into the right-handed batter’s box with a 1-2 count. Moments later, the ball was spotted being pursued by the left-fielder after bouncing off the wall.

 

Amick smashed a two-strike triple to the deep left-field fence, bringing in two runners in the process. This hit propelled the Vols to a 5-3 lead, a lead they maintained for the remainder of the game.

In his subsequent at-bat… Farewell.

Amick blasted another ball that left the yard this time. His second home run donning the Tennessee uniform left no doubts.

“I’d say he’s remarkable, but honestly, I’ve watched him do that all fall,” remarked Kavares Tears. “I guess you kind of expect nothing less from him. He’s an outstanding player, and I believe he’ll have a long career in baseball, so I suppose it’s just something you get used to seeing.”

While Tennessee was already in the lead, the third baseman sustained the momentum — a challenge they faced the previous night.

“He’s really robust, first and foremost,” noted Vitello. “He reminded us during recruitment of Trevor Story, who hails from this area. It took Trevor some time to become as physically dominant as Billy is right now.”

No. 9 Tennessee (2-1) concluded the game with an 11-5 victory over Baylor (0-3).

The transfer from Clemson provided Tennessee with its inaugural home run of the season in Friday’s opener before regaining form on Sunday.

“Just aimed to get our offense rolling and hit the ball hard to get the job done,” Amick reflected on Friday. “I was extremely thrilled. We were well-prepared. We were all eagerly anticipating it, especially this game. It was a fantastic atmosphere and stadium, so we had a lot of fun.”

After a 0-for-5 performance on Saturday, Amick smashed a home run and a triple on Sunday, accumulating three RBIs from the five-hole in the lineup. His homer traveled 425 feet with a 113 mph exit velocity. He reached base three times in five appearances.

“Billy just being Billy, man,” exclaimed Christian Moore. “I call him ‘Billy Barrels’. You know he’s going to do what he does best, and that’s hit. I’m incredibly excited to have him here, right in the heart of the order where we need him.”

Nevertheless, Amick wasn’t the sole contributor from the Tennessee lineup. Tears also made an impact, launching a three-run home run to tie the game in just the second inning. Moore chipped in with two hits and two RBIs.

The approach clarified, allowing the Vols to depart Globe Life Field with a winning record.

“I’m delighted he’s wearing our orange,” Vitello concluded.

Tennessee kicks off its Lindsey Nelson Stadium slate on Tuesday, welcoming UNC-Asheville for a 4:30 p.m. ET first pitch.

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