Tennessee Baseball Dominates UNC Asheville in Midweek Matchup

Vols' bats stay hot as they cruise to victory over the Bulldogs

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team continued their hot start to the season with a dominant win over UNC Asheville in their first midweek game. Fresh off a series sweep against Nicholls State, the Vols' pitching staff maintained their strong performance, while the offense led by standout Blaine Brown powered the team to victory.

Why it matters

Tennessee is looking to build on their early season success and prove their depth as they take on a midweek opponent. The Vols' ability to win convincingly against lesser opponents will be crucial as they prepare for tougher conference play later in the season.

The details

Tennessee's pitching staff continued their dominance, racking up 26 strikeouts in the series against Nicholls State. The offense was led by Blaine Brown, who finished the series with 18 total bases, three home runs, and multiple RBIs. The Vols are looking to showcase their depth in this midweek matchup against UNC Asheville.

  • The Tennessee Volunteers are set to play their first midweek baseball game of the season on February 17, 2026.
  • Tennessee is fresh off a series sweep against Nicholls State, which took place on February 13, 2026.

The players

Blaine Brown

A standout hitter for the Tennessee Volunteers, Blaine Brown finished the series against Nicholls State with 18 total bases, three home runs, and multiple RBIs.

Reese Chapman

A key member of the Tennessee Volunteers' offense, Reese Chapman finished the series against Nicholls State with a batting average of .600.

Finley Bates

A Tennessee Volunteers player who had a perfect 1.000 batting average in two at-bats against Nicholls State.

Manny Marin

A Tennessee Volunteers player who was featured in an image fielding the ball during the game against Nicholls State.

Jay Abernathy

A Tennessee Volunteers player who was shown returning to the dugout after getting out during the game against Nicholls State.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee started off the year hot against Nicholls State. I expect that the bats will keep flying, as UNC Asheville will likely not pose much more of a threat than the prior series.”

— Wesley Powell (si.com)

“Pitching has is allowing 1 run per game, while the bats find their groove. Blaine Brown is emerging as one of the more solid hitters on the team. Brown could be a producers of a few runs.”

— Dale Dowden (si.com)

“I believe the Vols will dominantly defeat the Bulldogs, but I don't think this win will be as convincing. The depth will be used more in this midweek game compared to the weekend, as they will likely run through their bullpen with short outings in this contest. Tennessee baseball has stepped up in a major way at the plate, which will be the highlight of the game, but they will give up a home run in this one, along with a batter finding his way around the bases. The Bulldogs are currently 2-2, but the likely result will push their win percentage below .500 following what may be a terrible defeat on their end.”

— Caleb Sisk (si.com)

What’s next

The Tennessee Volunteers will look to continue their strong start to the season as they take on UNC Asheville in their first midweek matchup on February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Tennessee's dominant performance against Nicholls State has set the stage for an impressive midweek victory over UNC Asheville. The Vols' depth and offensive firepower, led by standout Blaine Brown, will be on full display as they look to further solidify their position as an early-season contender.