Vols Fall to Crimson Tide 12-8, Play Double Header Friday

Carlos Jackson Published: April 24, 2026 | Updated: April 24, 2026 2 minutes read

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Some uncharacteristic command issues from Tennessee’s pitching staff doomed the Vols in a 12-8 loss to No. 13 Alabama in Thursday night’s series opener at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Final. pic.twitter.com/kpDMHDKwHw

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

The Big Orange (27-15, 8-11 SEC) actually outhit the Crimson Tide, 11-10, on the night but allowed 16 free passes with 10 walks and six hit batters.

M8 | A much-needed 1-2-3 inning for Nic, the first by either team tonight.

12-8 Tide with the top of our order coming to the plate.

📺: https://t.co/4LVNde7Ti0 (ESPN2)

#GBO🍊// #OTH pic.twitter.com/fFCAjzkP0Z

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

Garrett Wright led the way again at the plate for UT as the junior standout turned in a 2-for-5 day with a pair of solo home runs, three runs scored and three RBIs.

Bats continuing to battle.

📺: https://t.co/4LVNde7Ti0 (ESPN2)#GBO🍊 // #OTH pic.twitter.com/lnyLnlYq8K

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

Henry Ford and Manny Marin combined for three hits, three runs and three RBIs, as well, while Trent Grindler had another multi-hit game with two singles. One of Ford’s hits was a two-run homer in the sixth inning, his team-leading 13th round tripper of the year.

Ford mashes one off the batter's eye for his 13th round tripper of the year!

📺: https://t.co/4LVNde7Ti0 (ESPN2)#GBO🍊 // #OTH pic.twitter.com/2h1OQWZGRH

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

After trading blows through the first five innings, Alabama (29-14, 10-9 SEC) started to pull away with three runs in the top of the sixth and three more in the seventh, largely aided by walks and hit batters by Tennessee.

pic.twitter.com/sNiVfyGnXD

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

Nic Abraham was one of the few bright spots for the Vols on the mound Thursday night, turning in two scoreless innings while allowing two hits.

T6 | Two-out three run homer for Alabama's Eric Hines will end Appenzeller's night. Brayden Krenzel is the new UT pitcher.

9-4 Tide lead.#GBO🍊 // #OTH pic.twitter.com/JO4CP3U3RB

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

Designated hitter Eric Hines led the Tide with four RBIs while Bryce Fowler also had a productive night with three hits and three RBIs.

Pitcher's best friend!

📺: https://t.co/4LVNde7Ti0 (ESPN2)#GBO🍊 // #OTH pic.twitter.com/eyQuuWBWVP

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 24, 2026

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Per expected inclement weather on Saturday, Tennessee and Alabama will now play a doubleheader on Friday with the first game starting at 2:30 p.m.

Game two of the twin bills will begin at 6:30 p.m. or approximately 45 minutes following the conclusion of the first game.

TICKET INFO: Game one of the doubleheader at 2:30 p.m. will honor Saturday’s tickets while game two at 6:30 p.m. remains the regular ticketed event for Friday.