Freshmen Shine in SEC Honors
The SEC’s postseason awards have been announced, and for the first time in three years the Volunteers did not receive a single first‑team nod. Instead, pitcher Tegan Kuhns earned a spot on the second team, while two freshmen were recognized on the Freshman All‑SEC list.
Kuhns capped a dominant season with a 3.39 ERA over 77 innings, striking out 100 batters and tying for fourth in the conference. He turned in two marquee outings — an eight‑inning shutout against Alabama on April 24 and a seven‑scoreless‑inning performance with 15 strikeouts versus Texas on May 8 — showcasing the poise of a potential early‑round draft pick.
Reliever Cam Appenzeller, who has logged 48.1 innings with a 4.81 ERA, will take the mound for Tennessee’s opening SEC Tournament game against South Carolina. In his first 36.1 innings he surrendered just six earned runs, underscoring his reliability in high‑leverage situations.
Meanwhile, infielder Trent Grindlinger emerged as a potent bat, finishing the regular season with a .357 average, eight home runs and 28 RBIs. His ascent to the cleanup spot midway through the year has added depth to the Volunteers’ lineup.
The recognitions come as the program prepares for the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, where the freshmen will look to translate their award‑winning form into postseason success. With Major League Baseball scouts already tracking the talent on display, the Volunteers hope to extend their season beyond the tournament.