Tennessee Baseball Hosts LSU in Game 1

Both teams look to gain momentum in the SEC matchup

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the field, players, and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white.The Tennessee-LSU baseball matchup is a high-stakes conference clash, with both teams fighting for position in the SEC standings.Knoxville Today

The Tennessee Baseball team is hosting LSU for a weekend 3-game series, with both teams looking to gain ground in the SEC standings. LSU enters the series with a 20-10 (4-5) record, while the Vols hold a 19-10 (3-6) mark. Tennessee head coach Josh Elander has made some lineup changes that have paid dividends, and the Vols will send Landon Mack to the mound for the series opener.

Why it matters

This weekend series is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the SEC standings. With both squads currently towards the bottom of the conference, a series win could springboard one of the clubs into the right direction with plenty of time left in the season.

The details

In Game 1, LSU struck first with a solo home run in the top of the 3rd inning to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Vols answered back in the bottom half of the frame with a solo shot from Levi Clark to tie the game at 1-1. Tennessee then took the lead for good in the 4th inning on a 2-run homer by Reese Chapman. The Vols added an insurance run in the 7th to make it 4-1, but LSU mounted a late comeback, scoring 5 runs in the 8th and 9th innings to win the opener 7-4.

  • The series opener was played on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 6pm Eastern.

The players

Josh Elander

The head coach of the Tennessee baseball team who has made some lineup changes that have paid off for the Vols.

Landon Mack

The Tennessee pitcher who started Game 1 against LSU.

Reese Chapman

The Tennessee player who hit a 2-run home run in the 4th inning to give the Vols the lead.

Levi Clark

The Tennessee player who hit a solo home run in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 1-1.

Henry Ford

The Tennessee player who had a single in the 1st inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This weekend series is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the SEC standings.”

— Josh Elander, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 6pm Eastern.

The takeaway

This hard-fought SEC matchup between Tennessee and LSU showcases the competitive nature of conference play, with both teams looking to gain ground in the standings. The Vols will need to regroup after the Game 1 loss and try to even the series on Saturday.