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Diamond Vols Podcast: A big test awaits Tennessee baseball in Texas

·1 hr 33 min·5 clips

Evan Russell says Tennessee's hitters look tense, which explains their early-season offensive struggles.

This episode previews the Tennessee baseball team's upcoming tournament in Arlington, Texas, against top competition. Host Ben McKee is joined by former Tennessee pitcher Will Heflin for analysis. The hosts begin by paying tribute to late media member Wes Rucker, noting his funeral was held and a GoFundMe for his family has raised nearly $750,000. They then analyze Tennessee's recent series loss to Kent State and a midweek win over Bellarmine where the offense struggled early. Key players discussed include Manny Marin, who hit a home run after being benched, and leadoff hitter Jay Abernathy, who is praised as a tone-setter. A major topic is the team's offensive tension, with former player Evan Russell describing the hitters as looking "tense" in the box. Heflin argues the issue is execution and a lack of "oomph," not effort, while McKee suggests facing higher velocity pitching in Texas could help the hitters react more and swing less. The hosts debate potential lineup changes, with Heflin proposing Jay Abernathy lead off, Blaine Brown hit third, and Tyler Myatt clean up. They examine the pitching rotation, with Tegan Coons starting Friday against #1 UCLA, Landon Mack facing Arizona State on Saturday, and Evan "TBD" Blanco pitching Sunday against Virginia Tech. Heflin advises the starters to avoid overthrowing and to "play to the scoreboard." The bullpen is also discussed, with calls to use pitcher Mark Hendy in higher-leverage situations and to find a role for two-way player Blaine Brown. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending insider baseball knowledge with fan-focused commentary. This episode is ideal for dedicated Tennessee baseball fans seeking a detailed, pre-game breakdown. Listeners with no interest in college baseball or Tennessee sports would likely skip it.

As heard by us

A Texas tournament preview that keeps Tennessee's shape in view.

Diamond Vols treats Tennessee's trip to Arlington as a real check, not a backdrop. Ben McKee and Will Heflin spend most of the piece on the pitching, especially early-season form, scout presence, and the way command can make an outing look cleaner or rougher than it first…

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Why you'd press play

Want Tennessee's Texas test framed by people who know the pitching room?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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