Tennessee’s baseball program continues to write history, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament Regional for the seventh consecutive season — the longest active streak in the nation.
The Vols will make the trip to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the very site where their streak first took root, and will open play against East Carolina in the regional’s first round.
Joining the Vols in the four‑team bracket are North Carolina and VCU, setting up a double‑elimination format that promises twists and turns as the tournament unfolds.
A Familiar Face in the Dugout
Thomas Francisco, the Pirates’ director of operations, brings a personal connection to the matchup. He starred at East Carolina before being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, and he is the son of longtime Abingdon High School coach Mark Francisco.
The first pitch of the Vols versus Pirates game is slated for May 29 at noon, marking the start of a regional that could reshape the Vols’ postseason path.