The Bisons baseball team traveled to Knoxville on Tuesday and defeated No. 4-ranked Tennessee 4-1.
The Bisons were able to hold the Volunteers scoreless through the final eight innings to record the victory. The game marks Lipscomb’s first win against a top five opponent since 2015.
This is the first time the Bisons have beaten Tennessee since 2008, as well as their first win ever at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Tennessee has been held to two runs only two other times so far this season.
The game got off to a quick start. Freshmen outfielder Tiger Borom showed off his speed by beating out an infield grounder to lead off. With two outs, junior Malik Williams blasted an RBI double to give the Bisons an early 1-0 lead.
Redshirt freshmen Ike Buxton would get the start for the Bisons. Tennessee was able to record a run to tie the game at 1-1. However, Buxton was able to strike out the last batter to strand a runner on third.
Lipscomb continued its offense in the top of the second with a leadoff single by Carter Smith. Sophomore Robbie Merced would reach first on a fielding error, advancing Smith to second. Freshmen Trey Ham hit a sacrifice fly to advance both runners into scoring position.
After a pitching change by the Volunteers and with two outs, Borom singled up the middle to drive in both runners and give the Bisons a 3-1 lead.
Borom was able to show off his speed once again by stealing second and putting himself in scoring position. Junior Maddux Houghton would single up the left side and drive in Borom to increase the Bisons lead 4-1.
Freshmen Patrick Williams would come in in the bottom of the second to relieve Buxton. He pitched a shutout the next two innings before being relieved. Williams would go on to record the win.
After a scoreless third, the Volunteers threatened with two runners on in the top of the fourth. However, they would ground into a double play to end the inning.
Freshman Gavin Grubbs took the mound in the fifth inning. He had a shaky start and walked two batters early. After the defense collected two outs, Grubbs got out of the jam with a strikeout to end the inning and maintain the Bisons lead.
The game stayed scoreless and after several pitching changes by both teams, the score remained at 4-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. Left-hander Tanner Morgan would take the mound for the Bisons but would be pulled after walking the first batter he faced.
Tyler Drabick would come in to relieve Morgan and pitch a shutout over the final two innings to secure the victory for Lipscomb. He would be credited with the save which marks his first of the season.
The Bisons improve their record to 14-22 overall and record just their third win on the road. They’ll look to build off this win when they face North Alabama in a three game series at home this weekend.
Photo via Lipscomb Athletics