A Milestone Night in Milwaukee
On Thursday evening the Brewers' bullpen welcomed a new face as Garrett Stallings took the mound for the first time in the majors. The right‑hander tossed a single inning, fanning one batter while issuing a walk, a brief but promising debut that helped shape the early momentum of the contest.
Across the diamond, Chase Burns, also a product of the University of Tennessee, earned his tenth decision of the season as the Reds surged to a 7‑2 victory. Burns' start was marked by control and confidence, underscoring his role as a cornerstone of the club's rotation.
The game unfolded at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the crowd witnessed a clash of former college teammates now competing at the highest level of professional baseball. The atmosphere blended the excitement of a debut with the familiar rivalry that has defined many such matchups.
From Knoxville to the Big Leagues
Both pitchers share more than a recent big‑league appearance; they are alumni of the University of Tennessee, where under coach Tony Vitello they helped forge a pipeline that has produced 14 former Volunteers who have reached the majors. Vitello's influence extends beyond the college ranks, shaping the next generation of talent that now competes on baseball's biggest stages.
Stallings' journey began in Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, before he donned the orange and white in college and now steps onto the MLB scene. His early career at Tennessee, where he logged 52 appearances and struck out 182 batters, set the foundation for this latest milestone.