Alabama Overpowered by Tennessee in 10-0 Game Two Mercy-Rule Loss

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Alabama’s offense faltered in a 10-0 loss to Tennessee in game two, which ended in the bottom of the eighth due to the mercy rule.

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This game was a stark contrast to Thursday’s opener, when the Tide recorded double-digit hits and runs. In Friday’s first game of the doubleheader, Alabama’s offense sputtered, managing only three hits while eight of nine batters each struck out at least once.

Tennessee opened the scoring with a solo home run to right-center from designated hitter Trent Grindlinger, giving the Volunteers a 1-0 lead heading into the third inning.

The bottom of the third saw the Volunteers plate three more runs: an RBI double by Henry Ford, an RBI groundout from Reese Chapman, and another RBI single from Grindlinger, putting Tennessee ahead 4-0 entering the fourth.

Alabama’s starter Zane Adams had a rocky outing, allowing four earned runs in the first three innings. He settled in to pitch scoreless fourth and fifth innings before giving up two more runs—one unearned—in the sixth. Adams allowed seven hits, walked five, and struck out four over 5.1 innings before being relieved by Austin Morris.

Morris finished the sixth inning, but a wild throw from Brennan Holt at second base thwarted a potential double play and allowed two runs to score for Tennessee, making it a 6-0 game going into the seventh inning.

The senior reliever’s day ended in the bottom of the seventh after another costly infield error. A botched double play allowed one run to score, and Tennessee’s first baseman beat the throw to first, bringing in another run and stretching the Volunteers’ lead to eight entering the eighth.

Tennessee extended its lead in the top of the ninth with an RBI double from Chapman. After an intentional walk to Grindlinger loaded the bases, Manny Marin drove in another run with a groundout, pushing the Volunteers' lead to ten and enforcing the run rule to end the game.

Tennessee’s starter for game one of Friday’s doubleheader, Tegan Kuhns, was dominant, tossing eight scoreless innings while allowing just three hits, one walk, and striking out nine.

Alabama falls to 29-15 overall and 10-10 in conference play. The Tide will look to take the series in Friday’s rubber match, scheduled to begin 45 minutes after game two.

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