Vols Lose Early Lead, Fall 7-3 to #22 Alabama

Friday, March 25

Tuscaloosa, AL

8:00 PM

University of Tennessee

13-8, 1-3

Alabama

14-7, 3-1

Tennessee

Alabama

March 25, 2016 | Baseball

Box Score

March 25, 2016

Stats

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Junior Nick Senzel homered in the first inning to give Tennessee an early lead over No. 22 Alabama, but the Crimson Tide battled back to take a 7-3 decision on Friday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

With the loss, Tennessee (13-8) moves to 35-76 in the all-time series against Alabama (14-7, 3-1 SEC), and is now 1-3 in SEC play this season.

Tennessee combined for nine hits against the Crimson Tide, led by Senzel (3-for-4, 2 RBI). Designated hitter Leno Ramirez (0-for-4, RBI) also contributed one run via an RBI-groundout in the first frame.

Senior Chris Hall (1-for-3) set the table early for the Volunteers, reaching second base on a leadoff single and fielding error by Alabama's right fielder in the first inning. In the next at-bat, Senzel crushed a two-run homer over the right field wall to give UT a 2-0 advantage.

Vincent Jackson (1-for-4) kept Tennessee's attack going in the first with a double down the right field line. After taking third on a groundout, Jackson scored on a ground ball to the first base side by Ramirez, who recorded his 10th RBI of the year on the play.

By the third frame, Alabama settled in and began chipping away at Tennessee's lead, plating two runs on two hits and tying the game at 3-3 in the fifth. With one out in the fifth, a Bama double and back-to-back walks granted by UT starter Zach Warren (4-1) loaded the bases before first baseman Chance Vincent knocked a three-run double to move UA ahead, 6-3. The Tide pushed one additional run across in the eighth, making it a 7-3 final.

In his sixth start of the year, Warren allowed six runs on seven hits in 6.0 innings of work while striking out six batters for the loss.

Righthander Steven Kane entered in the seventh and tossed 2.0 innings in relief. Despite allowing one run on four hits, Kane kept Alabama's threat to a minimum by picking off three batters, including two at first base in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Stay tuned for more coming soon to UTSports.com.

Vol Baseball Quick Hits

Junior Nick Senzel recorded his second homer of the season with a two-run shot in the first inning. The homer also marked the seventh of his career for the Big Orange.
With a single to left field in the sixth, Jordan Rodgers (1-for-4) has now reached base safely in 20 straight games since Feb. 20 vs. Memphis.
Senior Derek Lance extended his current hit streak to five games with a 1-for-3 effort on Friday vs. Bama and has now reached safely in 10 straight games.
Friday's attendance at Sewell-Thomas Stadium: 5,867 (sellout)
On Deck of the Vols: With Sunday's forecast calling for rain, Tennessee and Alabama have agreed to play a doubleheader on Saturday, March 26. Game One will begin at 3 p.m. ET with the second game beginning at 9 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee Baseball, visit UTSports.com/Baseball and follow @Vol_Baseball on Twitter.