Tennessee baseball took an early lead in their do-or-die Game 3 of the College World Series on Monday, with Christian Moore hitting a solo home run in the first inning. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Vols looked to force a deciding game against Texas A&M.
The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team gave their fans plenty to cheer about in the opening inning of their must-win Game 3 of the Men's College World Series on Monday night.
Leading off against Texas A&M, Christian Moore sent a solo homer soaring over the outfield wall, giving the Vols an early 1-0 advantage. The crowd at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha erupted in a deafening roar, their voices echoing through the stadium.
Vols Fans Roar After Moore's Homer in Must-Win Game 3
The ESPN broadcast quickly panned to a box showing legendary quarterback Peyton Manning celebrating with country music star Morgan Wallen, who was clad in a pinstripe Tennessee baseball jersey. Joining in the celebration were Rick Barnes, the Volunteers' men's basketball coach, and Josh Heupel, the football coach.
The early lead was a much-needed boost for Tennessee, who had lost the first game of the series to Texas A&M 9-5. In Game 2, the Aggies nearly put the Vols away, holding a 1-0 lead for most of the game. However, Tennessee rallied in the seventh and eighth innings, scoring four runs to force a decisive Game 3. Dylan Dreiling and Cal Stark each hit home runs in that game.
Vols Fans Roar After Moore's Homer in Must-Win Game 3
A victory on Monday night would give either Tennessee or Texas A&M their first-ever College World Series title. For Tennessee, it would be a culmination of their recent success, having made the College World Series in 2021 and 2023 but failing to reach the final three-game series. Their only previous appearance in the championship series was in 1951, when they finished as runners-up.
Texas A&M, on the other hand, has made the College World Series twice before, in 2017 and 2022, but has also failed to advance to the final three-game series. With a win on Monday, they would achieve their ultimate goal and etch their name in college baseball history.
Vols Fans Roar After Moore's Homer in Must-Win Game 3
As the game progressed, the intensity on the field matched the excitement in the stands. Both teams traded blows, with the Aggies eventually tying the game in the top of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Brett Minnich. However, the Vols responded in the bottom of the inning, as Drew Gilbert singled home Jake Rucker to give Tennessee a 2-1 lead.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued throughout the evening, with each team demonstrating their determination to win. The crowd remained on the edge of their seats, their cheers and chants reverberating through the stadium.
In the end, it was the Aggies who emerged victorious, defeating Tennessee 10-2 in a game that lasted over four hours. Despite the disappointing outcome, the Vols fans showed their unwavering support, applauding their team as they left the field.
Tennessee's journey in the 2023 College World Series may have come to an end, but the memories of their incredible run will live on in the hearts of their fans. The Vols have proven that they are a team to be reckoned with, and they will undoubtedly be back to compete for a championship in the future.
