Tennessee Baseball Drops Series Opener to Missouri

Tennessee scored two runs in the sixth inning but couldn't overcome Missouri's early lead.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee baseball (15-7, 1-3 SEC) dropped Friday's series opener to Missouri (16-6, 1-3 SEC) 8-4 in Knoxville. Tennessee scored two runs in the sixth inning and had a pair of solo home runs, but missed opportunities combined with a lackluster pitching performance led to the disappointing defeat. Missouri never trailed and led by at least two runs for the remainder of the game after plating three runs in the third inning.

Why it matters

This loss marks Tennessee's third straight SEC defeat, dropping them to 1-3 in conference play. Missouri was expected to be one of Tennessee's easier opponents in SEC play, so this defeat is a setback for the Volunteers as they look to bounce back and clinch the series on Saturday.

The details

Tennessee starter Tegan Kuhns struggled, giving up three runs on six hits in 3.0 innings. The Volunteers also missed several early scoring opportunities, stranding 11 runners on base. Missouri's offense, which had been one of the weakest in the SEC, broke out with 12 hits and eight runs. A three-run homer by Keegan Knutson in the seventh inning proved to be the decisive blow for the Tigers.

  • Tennessee scored two runs in the sixth inning to cut Missouri's lead to 5-3.
  • Knutson's three-run homer in the seventh inning gave Missouri an 8-3 lead.

The players

Tegan Kuhns

Tennessee starting pitcher who struggled, giving up three runs on six hits in 3.0 innings.

Keegan Knutson

Missouri third baseman who hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Tigers an 8-3 lead.

Brady Frederick

Tennessee relief pitcher who gave up two runs in the fifth inning to extend Missouri's lead.

Brandon Arvidson

Tennessee relief pitcher who allowed three runs in the seventh inning, including Knutson's three-run homer.

Manny Marin

Tennessee outfielder who scored a run in the sixth inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must find a way to bounce back tomorrow and even this series.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Tennessee will look to even the series on Saturday night at 6 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+.

The takeaway

This loss is a setback for Tennessee as they try to climb the SEC standings, but they will have a chance to even the series on Saturday. The Volunteers will need to shore up their pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities to get back on track.