Tennessee Volunteers Secure Walk-Off Victory Over Kent State in Series Opener
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A dramatic walk-off home run by Tyler Myatt in the bottom of the ninth inning propelled the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers to a 4-3 victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes on , at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The win improves Tennessee’s record to 5-0, while Kent State falls to 3-1.
The game remained tightly contested throughout, with both teams displaying strong pitching and defensive efforts. Tennessee entered the series having outscored its opponents 37-6, but Kent State proved a formidable opponent, keeping the game within reach until the very end.
Kent State took an early lead, scoring one run in the fourth inning when Luke Matthew singled to left field, driving in Micah Rienst. Tennessee responded in the sixth with a sacrifice fly by Marin, scoring Chapman. The Volunteers then surged ahead in the same inning with a two-run home run by Abernathy, bringing Newstrom across the plate as well.
However, Kent State refused to concede, tying the game at 3-3 in the eighth inning. Micah Rienst singled up the middle, scoring Solit, and Sawyer Solit then singled through the left side, scoring Humphrey and Matthew.
The stage was set for a thrilling finish, and Myatt delivered with a clutch home run to center field, securing the walk-off win for Tennessee. According to reports, it was Myatt’s second home run of the season. The pinch-hitter, a former star at Claiborne High School and a two-year player at Walters State Community College, sent the Volunteers home happy.
On the mound, Tennessee’s Tegan Kuhns started the game and pitched 5.2 innings, allowing one run on eleven hits. Relievers Ben Krenzel, Michael Hindy, Ben Rhudy, and Blake Frederick each contributed to hold Kent State at bay. Kent State’s Ciaran Caughey pitched four innings, allowing no runs on two hits.
The box score reveals a close contest in terms of hits, with Kent State recording seven and Tennessee managing four. However, Tennessee capitalized on key moments, particularly Abernathy’s home run and Myatt’s game-winning blast.
The Volunteers and Golden Flashes are scheduled to continue their three-game series on , at 4:00 p.m. ET, with the final game of the series set for , at 1:00 p.m. ET. All games will be streamed on SEC Network+.
Tennessee will likely send RHP Tegan Kuhns to the mound for Game 2, while Kent State is expected to start RHP Ciaran Caughey.
