The University of Evansville baseball team is set to face #1 ranked Tennessee in the opening game of the Knoxville Super Regional. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. central time on Friday, June 7th, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. This crucial matchup marks the beginning of a best-of-three series to determine who advances to the College World Series.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Evansville Purple Aces: A Super Regional Showdown
Evansville earned its spot in the Super Regional by winning the Greenville Regional, defeating #16 East Carolina twice. Senior designated hitter Kip Fougerousse led the charge, smashing home runs in all four games, tying the school record with 21 home runs. His remarkable performance earned him Greenville Regional Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. The Purple Aces enter the Super Regional with a 38-24 record and boasting an impressive offensive display, ranking second in the NCAA Tournament with 10 post-season home runs.
Tennessee, holding a nation-leading 53-11 record, dominated the Knoxville Regional, sweeping through Northern Kentucky, Indiana, and Southern Miss. Their powerful offense leads the country in home runs with a staggering 159 and continued their dominance in the Regional, hitting an NCAA Tournament-best 12 home runs. This sets the stage for a power-hitting showdown between two of the tournament’s most prolific offenses. The Volunteers and Purple Aces are currently the top two home run-hitting teams in the NCAA Tournament.
Pitching Matchup and Game Schedule
Evansville will send freshman left-handed pitcher Kenton Deverman (9-1, 3.81 ERA) to the mound. Deverman showcased his skills in the Greenville Regional, securing a victory against #16 East Carolina with an impressive 8-inning performance. Tennessee will counter with graduate left-handed pitcher Chris Stamos (3-0, 3.60 ERA). Stamos primarily serves as an opener, with no appearances exceeding 3.1 innings this season. This strategic pitching approach adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The complete schedule for the Knoxville Super Regional is as follows:
- Game 1: Friday, June 7th, 2 PM central (ESPN2)
- Game 2: Saturday, June 8th, 10 AM central (ESPN2)
- Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, June 9th, 5 PM central (ESPNU)
The winner of this best-of-three series will punch their ticket to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. This Super Regional clash promises high-stakes baseball and a thrilling battle between two teams vying for a coveted spot in the College World Series.
