The top-seeded Tennessee Volunteers kicked off their NCAA Tournament run with a convincing 9-3 win over Northern Kentucky, spurred on by a crowd of 6,396 fanatics — the largest to ever grace Lindsey Nelson Stadium, WATE reported.
Despite an early scare when Norse leadoff hitter Cleary Simpson nailed a solo homer, Tennessee's AJ Causey, in a masterful relief effort, struck out nine batters over 6.2 innings, allowing just two runs on four hits which solidified the Vols' victory on Friday night — the volunteers roared back with runs in the second, third and fourth innings to firmly take the lead, according to The Chattanoogan.
Billy Amick's three-run homer blasted the fourth inning wide open, eventually proving to be the crucial hit that sent Tennessee's score sailing past Northern Kentucky's. The Volunteers hit their stride late in the game with back-to-back home runs from Hunter Ensley and Dylan Dreiling, shutting down any potential comeback, UTSports detailed.
Stats from the game highlighted AJ Causey's season achievements, tying for the fifth most wins in a season in the program with 12 as well as marking Billy Amick's 20th homer, an accolade he shares with teammate Christian Moore — this mark a first for the program to have multiple players hammer over 20 in a single season. Up next, Tennessee is set to face Indiana in the winner's bracket on Saturday night, where the victor will proceed directly to the regional final, The Chattanoogan added.
