The Volunteers kicked off the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, with a commanding 11-6 triumph over the Gamecocks, a game that featured a six-run third inning that turned the tide early in the contest.
Tennessee’s third-inning burst was sparked by a two-RBI double from freshman Nate Eisfelder, who helped push the lead to a comfortable margin before South Carolina could mount any response.
On the mound, Cam Appenzeller showed poise in his first major collegiate start, limiting the Gamecocks to three earned runs over five innings while the team’s bullpen tightened up later in the game.
Reliever Will Haas added a spark of his own, striking out six batters in 2.1 innings of relief and preserving the lead despite a late rally that saw South Carolina close the gap with two home runs in the seventh.
What’s Next for the Vols?
Tennessee now turns its attention to a matchup with Arkansas, a team that will test the Vols’ pitching depth and offensive consistency as the tournament progresses.