Tennessee Baseball vs Kent State: Schedule, TV Channel & Live Stream Info

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A walk-off home run by Tyler Myatt lifted the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers to a 4-3 victory over Kent State in the opening game of a three-game series Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Myatt, a former standout at Claiborne High School and a two-year player at Walters State Community College, connected for his second home run of the season in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing the win for the Volunteers (5-0).

Tennessee coach Josh Elander acknowledged his team had been fortunate in the victory. “I consider honestly we kind of stole one tonight,” Elander said following the game. “That’s a really solid team. They’re coached highly, very well with some older players that are very talented and not scared and have been tested over the years.”

Elander likewise pointed to defensive play and Myatt’s clutch hitting as key factors. “I thought we played some great defense that bailed us out, and Tyler Myatt bailed us out. What a swing there, just a low heart rate there at the end.”

The Volunteers had previously outscored their opponents 37-6 entering the series. However, Elander noted areas for improvement, stating the team gave up nine free bases during the game. “That’s the opposite of the MO we’ve been preaching,” he said.

The game also took place against the backdrop of mourning within the Knoxville sports community following the death of Tennessee sports writer Wes Rucker. Elander offered condolences to Rucker’s family, including his wife Lauren, son Hank, and daughter on the way. “Wes has been a day-one guy for us. I’ve got to know him over the last nine years, and I’m going to miss seeing him here, and he was always good and fair to us,” Elander said.

Saturday’s game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with right-handed pitcher Tegan Kuhns (1-0, 0.00 ERA) expected to start for Tennessee. Kent State will counter with right-hander Ciaran Caughey (1-0, 0.00 ERA). The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.

The series concludes Sunday with a 1 p.m. ET start, also on SEC Network+.