The SEC has their second Thursday night game of the season tonight with the Tennessee Volunteers facing off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. The Vols are coming into the three game series with a 19-14 overall record while being 2-10 in SEC play while sporting a losing streak of seven. Alabama enters with a 23-13 overall record with a 7-5 SEC record.Â
After an outstanding start to the season, Khayyan Norfork has cooled down but is still hitting .389 with three homers and 30 RBI on the year. He does lead the team in stolen bases with 21 in 24 attempts. Second on the squad is Zach Osbourne at .360 with a homer and 15 RBI. The starting rotation is led by Steven Gruver who is 3-4 in eight starts while having an ERA of 2.93.
Alabama’s offense for the second straight year is being led by sparkplug Taylor Dugas who is hitting .364 with a team high four homers and driving in 19 runs. He has been solid on the bases stealing seven bags in 11 attempts. Nathan Kilcrease leads the starting rotation with a 4-2 record and an ERA of 2.63 in eight starts. Jonathan Smart has been good at the backend of games with seven saves and a 1-0 record including an ERA of 2.96 in 27.1 innings.
Pitching Matchups
Thursday, April 14 — 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
UT LHP Rob Catapano (2-2, 3.49) vs. UA RHP Nathan Kilcrease (4-2, 2.63)
Friday, April 15 — 7:30 p.m. ET
UT LHP Steven Gruver (3-4, 2.93) vs. UA LHP Adam Morgan (4-2, 4.34)
Saturday, April 16 — 6 p.m. ET
UT TBA vs. UA RHP Trey Pilkington (1-2, 3.41)
Prediction: Alabama sweep
Alabama Series Notes
Tennessee Series Notes
Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations
