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.
— 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.

