Hoover, AL – May 22, 2025 – The Tennessee Volunteers (43-15) defeated the Texas Longhorns (42-12) 7-5 in a dramatic 12-inning contest at the Hoover Met today in the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament. The game, which began at 3:02 pm and lasted 4 hours and 21 minutes, saw both teams battle back from deficits under clear, breezy skies.
Texas took an early lead, scoring a run in the first inning, and added three more in the fourth, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from second baseman Ethan Mendoza (#5), to go up 4-0. Tennessee responded with two runs in the fifth, thanks to a two-RBI single by catcher Cannon Peebles (#5), and tied the game in the sixth with RBIs from second baseman Dean Curley (#1) and right fielder Reese Chapman (#13).
The game remained tied until the tenth inning. Tennessee shortstop Gavin Kilen (#6) hit a solo home run to right field to take the lead, but Texas responded in the bottom half when first baseman Kimble Schuessler (#10) singled to score Rylan Galvan (#6), who had reached on a single and advanced on an error. Tennessee ultimately secured the win in the top of the twelfth inning when Kilen (#6) hit a two-RBI double to right center, scoring pinch runner Jay Abernathy (#8) and Peebles (#5).
Tennessee’s bullpen was crucial after starter Liam Doyle (#12) left the game in the fourth. Pitcher Brandon Arvidson (#25) was particularly effective, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings in relief. Arvidson commented on his success, stating, “Just getting ahead… that’s kind of been the focus all year”, and that his curveball was working well. Head Coach Tony Vitello praised Arvidson, calling it an “epic effort” and noting that he just needed reps. Nate Snead (#7) earned the win for Tennessee.
For Texas, starter Ethan Walker (#46) pitched 4.1 innings. Walker said he “competed to the best of my ability” and praised catcher Rylan Galvan (#6), saying “there isn’t anyone else I’d want behind the plate”. Coach Jim Schlossnagle called Walker’s performance “outstanding” and a good sign for upcoming regionals. Schlossnagle also highlighted Arvidson’s performance, saying he “was outstanding. He was really the difference in the game”. Mendoza added that Texas’s offense “never got that big hit we were all looking for”.
Tennessee advances in the tournament, while Texas will await its NCAA Tournament regional destination.
Please note: This press release was created using information drawn from the provided source materials and may contain language generated by artificial intelligence.
