The Official #6 Tennessee @ #7 LSU Series Thread (Fri. April 25 7:30PM EDT SECNET+) (Sat. April 26 8PM EDT ESPNU) (Sun. April 27 3PM EDT SEC NETWORK)

[TigerMan]

Exactly. Coaches are doing what it takes to win games. We as fans sometimes agree, sometimes disagree. The only thing that matters in knowing whether it will work is to let it play out and see the result.

As an example, @TigerMan had a post in the 9th about a pinch-hit decision made by LSU’s coach. He didn’t like it. It worked out for LSU. I am sure Tigerman liked it a whole lot better after the fact.

That is sports. They are wonderful and they are cruel. It is why we should enjoy these, our best days, every day.

You are correct. I thought it was a terrible decision, but it worked out. That’s why Jay Johnson is the coach and I’m just a fan.

So, I’ve intentionally waited until today to post about the game, bc I thought it would’ve been in poor taste for me to say anything directly after the game. Most of you know me by now, and know I do not have bad intentions as a visitor here, but I still thought it would be better to wait until today. And sorry this is long.

The game went almost exactly how I imagined it would, until the 9th inning. Through the first 7 innings, it was like we were watching a really good MLB game. Pitching was outstanding. Anderson was great. Doyle was even better! Man that dude is special! The Vols scored 2 runs off of a couple walks, a couple wild pitches, and a couple timely hits. And that’s exactly what the better team does in a game of this caliber. It was classic baseball, and the Vols did everything right.

Then things got a little crazy after both starters were yanked. I thought for sure the Vols would put up 3-4 runs in the 9th, but they only scored one. Even then, I thought the game was over at 3-0. I think everyone did. Then the bottom of the 9th… if I were to question CTV on anything, it would be why he didn’t yank the pitcher in the 9th, especially after LSU scored two. Even more so after they tied it up. I don’t think y’all even had anyone in the bullpen at that time. But I’m sure he had his reasons, and who am I to question them? Nobody, that’s who.

I’d like to know how many college baseball games have been played this year in total, and out of all of those games, how many times did a team come back to win being down 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th? I’m guessing very few. It was simply a miracle comeback!

In regards to Curly, I can promise all of y'all here, and anyone else associated with the Tennessee Volunteers in any way, shape, or form, that Curly feels worse about what happened than anyone else. I’ve watched him play numerous times, and he is one hell of a ball player. This is baseball though, and these things just happen. I hope CTV manages this situation correctly, and instills the confidence in Curly to keep his career on a positive trajectory. And I’m sure he will.

Lastly, I disagree with anyone on this thread that thinks that the vols are going to get swept in this series. Is it possible? Sure. But, it took a miracle for LSU to win game one. Although I’m not as confident as I was a few days ago, I still believe the Vols will take game 3 because LSU will not have the pitching needed to win that game. So, I think tonight’s game will likely determine the series. Here’s to hoping we get two more great games though, and I wish y'all the best of luck in each of them!

 

[NighthawkVol]

Not necessarily….SS is much harder and demanding than 2B. No comparison plus KiLen has been playing 2B most of the year. Too soon to move him to SS since he’s just back from being out for almost 5 weeks.

Still doesn’t address the rest of my post. Play Kilen at 2B, Bargo at 3B, Abernathy in LF, and DH Curley. EXACT same lineup as the one we used last night, but I’ve improved defense at 3B (significantly) and LF. You could even DH Kilen and play Curley at 2B if we’re worried about Kilen’s hammy.

Last night was an unforced error on Tony’s part. That lineup at those positions made zero sense.

 

[preacherman20]

You are correct. I thought it was a terrible decision, but it worked out. That’s why Jay Johnson is the coach and I’m just a fan.

So, I’ve intentionally waited until today to post about the game, bc I thought it would’ve been in poor taste for me to say anything directly after the game. Most of you know me by now, and know I do not have bad intentions as a visitor here, but I still thought it would be better to wait until today. And sorry this is long.

The game went almost exactly how I imagined it would, until the 9th inning. Through the first 7 innings, it was like we were watching a really good MLB game. Pitching was outstanding. Anderson was great. Doyle was even better! Man that dude is special! The Vols scored 2 runs off of a couple walks, a couple wild pitches, and a couple timely hits. And that’s exactly what the better team does in a game of this caliber. It was classic baseball, and the Vols did everything right.

Then things got a little crazy after both starters were yanked. I thought for sure the Vols would put up 3-4 runs in the 9th, but they only scored one. Even then, I thought the game was over at 3-0. I think everyone did. Then the bottom of the 9th… if I were to question CTV on anything, it would be why he didn’t yank the pitcher in the 9th, especially after LSU scored two. Even more so after they tied it up. I don’t think y’all even had anyone in the bullpen at that time. But I’m sure he had his reasons, and who am I to question them? Nobody, that’s who.

I’d like to know how many college baseball games have been played this year in total, and out of all of those games, how many times did a team come back to win being down 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th? I’m guessing very few. It was simply a miracle comeback!

In regards to Curly, I can promise all of y'all here, and anyone else associated with the Tennessee Volunteers in any way, shape, or form, that Curly feels worse about what happened than anyone else. I’ve watched him play numerous times, and he is one hell of a ball player. This is baseball though, and these things just happen. I hope CTV manages this situation correctly, and instills the confidence in Curly to keep his career on a positive trajectory. And I’m sure he will.

Lastly, I disagree with anyone on this thread that thinks that the vols are going to get swept in this series. Is it possible? Sure. But, it took a miracle for LSU to win game one. Although I’m not as confident as I was a few days ago, I still believe the Vols will take game 3 because LSU will not have the pitching needed to win that game. So, I think tonight’s game will likely determine the series. Here’s to hoping we get two more great games though, and I wish y'all the best of luck in each of them!

Can you say that louder and replace Jay with Tony for all the people on here who think they know more about baseball than a 2 time coach of the year, SEC coach of the year, and dare I say NATIONAL CHAMPION COACH.
I swore I was gonna stay off here today but had a few minutes waiting on a phone call and made the mistake.

 

[just bob]

Unfortunately after that brutal loss last night, I’m thinking that the Vols will get swept at LSU. They have ceded all the momentum to LSU - Alex Box stadium will be loud and nasty tonight.

Hope Im wrong.

Vols have been terrible on Sat and Sun this last month, really needed that one last night.

 

[Orange931]

Can you say that louder and replace Jay with Tony for all the people on here who think they know more about baseball than a 2 time coach of the year, SEC coach of the year, and dare I say NATIONAL CHAMPION COACH.
I swore I was gonna stay off here today but had a few minutes waiting on a phone call and made the mistake.

I don’t think anybody on here believes they’re better than Tony. This is a fanboard for discussing sports and if someone has an opinion on something it’s ok to do so as long as nobody is taking personal shots at players. They’re only discussing the what ifs on “what could’ve been” on the field and it has no bearing on coaching decisions. Nobody is putting these kids down for their character or anything like that, it’s just what ifs and something to discuss, that’s it.

 

[Volstylexx]

I sure hope the guys have flushed last night, because I haven’t. The worst in-person TN sports experience of my life coupled with the worst fans I have ever experienced. I have never felt unsafe walking to my car after an event… until last night.

 

[Christian Lowe]

Do any of yall remember when Altuve had the yips in the playoffs… at SECOND base? It happens to everyone at some point.

But if it’s hurting the team to this extent, there’s no defense of leaving him out there. It is what it is. Sucks for him, but it sucks for the entire team if he’s allowed to stay out there too.

 

[taylorvol]

Still doesn’t address the rest of my post. Play Kilen at 2B, Bargo at 3B, Abernathy in LF, and DH Curley. EXACT same lineup as the one we used last night, but I’ve improved defense at 3B (significantly) and LF. You could even DH Kilen and play Curley at 2B if we’re worried about Kilen’s hammy.

Last night was an unforced error on Tony’s part. That lineup at those positions made zero sense.

Nothing was wrong with that starting lineup but fans have the benefit of hindsight. A very good player had a bad game. I’ve already posted that I think Curley needs some time at DH Regardless, I’m sure the best coaching staff in college baseball have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. They will get the best 9 in the lineup and they’re obviously privy to a lot more info than we are.

 

[Christian Lowe]

Nothing was wrong with that starting lineup but fans have the benefit of hindsight. A very good player had a bad game. I’ve already posted that I think Curley needs some time at DH Regardless, I’m sure the best coaching staff in college baseball have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. They will get the best 9 in the lineup and they’re obviously privy to a lot more info than we are.

A lot of people were questioning Curley back at 3rd before the game ever started.

 

[taylorvol]

I sure hope the guys have flushed last night, because I haven’t. The worst in-person TN sports experience of my life coupled with the worst fans I have ever experienced. I have never felt unsafe walking to my car after an event… until last night.

That stinks. Sorry you experienced that.

 

[Orange.]

Nothing was wrong with that starting lineup but fans have the benefit of hindsight. A very good player had a bad game. I’ve already posted that I think Curley needs some time at DH Regardless, I’m sure the best coaching staff in college baseball have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. They will get the best 9 in the lineup and they’re obviously privy to a lot more info than we are.

I was going to say that about hindsight last night but I didn't want to respond to the lunatic element running wild. (Not talking about Nighthawk.)

It's a common logical error in complainers and ragers in every sport.

 

[mackievol]

Have read some stuff on the Internet and this thread, seems the LSU fans act like drunk NASCAR fans after one baseball game. No wonder their stadium smells like poop

 

[vol66]

Have read some stuff on the Internet and this thread, seems th LSU fans act like drunk NASCAR fans after one baseball game. No wonder their stadium smells like poop

Let’s not forget the game was delayed for 3 hours, lol a night game at LSU that starts at 10:50 eastern, what could possibly go wrong?

 

[zeppelin128]

Let’s not forget the game was delayed for 3 hours, lol a night game at LSU that starts at 10:50 eastern, what could possibly go wrong?

This, they were drunker than usual. Lol

 

[NighthawkVol]

Nothing was wrong with that starting lineup but fans have the benefit of hindsight. A very good player had a bad game. I’ve already posted that I think Curley needs some time at DH Regardless, I’m sure the best coaching staff in college baseball have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. They will get the best 9 in the lineup and they’re obviously privy to a lot more info than we are.

That’s the thing though…I didn’t need hindsight. I thought it was a bizarre decision when I saw the lineup. I couldn’t have been the only one.

Dean’s defensive struggles didn’t start last night…which is why he was moved to 2B last week (where he did fine). Okay, we found a fix…so let’s undo it and go back to the thing that was causing problems…then, lo and behold, it cost Tennessee a ballgame.

But yes, we have the best staff in college baseball. They certainly know a helluva lot more than I do. Just goes to show that the best screw up sometimes. It’s just that this one felt like scoring on your own goal.

 

[taylorvol]

That’s the thing though…I didn’t need hindsight. I thought it was a bizarre decision when I saw the lineup. I couldn’t have been the only one.

Dean’s defensive struggles didn’t start last night…which is why he was moved to 2B last week (where he did fine). Okay, we found a fix…so let’s undo it and go back to the thing that was causing problems…then, lo and behold, it cost Tennessee a ballgame.

But yes, we have the best staff in college baseball. They certainly know a helluva lot more than I do. Just goes to show that the best screw up sometimes. It’s just that this one felt like scoring on your own goal.

Again, what you‘re leaving out is KiLen returned from his hamstring injury and no way they were moving Kilen to SS for his first game back. Kilen was going to play 2B for his first game back. Curley was either playing 3rd or DHing. CTV likely wanted to send a message to Curley that he believed in him. Unfortunately it didn’t work out.

 

[KeyVol14]

Totally missed last night's game. Didn't realize we gave up 6 runs in the bottom of the ninth....

 

[txbo]

Can you say that louder and replace Jay with Tony for all the people on here who think they know more about baseball than a 2 time coach of the year, SEC coach of the year, and dare I say NATIONAL CHAMPION COACH.
I swore I was gonna stay off here today but had a few minutes waiting on a phone call and made the mistake.

There’s also some on here that are too damn sensitive. Part of the fun of being a baseball fan is putting yourself in manager’s position and discussing with who you watch the game with. I do it every game I watch. Has this place become so tender that all we can do is dish out praise to both coaches and fans.
Hell some of y’all would have been triggered into a coma 10 years ago when Gilligan, Benny Hill and Bugs Bunny made their appearance in a post.

 

[theroyz71]

Imagine how absolutely horrible the player feels. Let’s cheer him on and show him some Big Orange VFL support both in Baton Rouge and at LNS! For the rest of the weekend, I’d insert Bargo back at 3B, keep AA at SS, KiLen at 2B, Fischer at 1B, and Curley at DH.

Absolutely

 

[feathersax]

There’s also some on here that are too damn sensitive. Part of the fun of being a baseball fan is putting yourself in manager’s position and discussing with who you watch the game with. I do it every game I watch. Has this place become so tender that all we can do is dish out praise to both coaches and fans.
Hell some of y’all would have been triggered into a coma 10 years ago when Gilligan, Benny Hill and Bugs Bunny made their appearance in a post.

Someone missed the boat.

 

[JCP201]

I sure hope the guys have flushed last night, because I haven’t. The worst in-person TN sports experience of my life coupled with the worst fans I have ever experienced. I have never felt unsafe walking to my car after an event… until last night.

My parents had that kind of experience when attending a Florida game (during the Fulmer era) You should never feel scared when attending a game. Personally, I always try to be nice to opposing team member fans.

 

[vol66]

There’s also some on here that are too damn sensitive. Part of the fun of being a baseball fan is putting yourself in manager’s position and discussing with who you watch the game with. I do it every game I watch. Has this place become so tender that all we can do is dish out praise to both coaches and fans.
Hell some of y’all would have been triggered into a coma 10 years ago when Gilligan, Benny Hill and Bugs Bunny made their appearance in a post.

As always some folks take it a step too far and of course, the easiest thing to do is treat it all the same. For instance, 3B got the brunt of the anger, but he didn’t give up the home run. I didn’t hear a peep about that. Yes I know the 2 E’s, but c’mon now. We lost a road game at LSU, big whoop. We ain’t the first, won’t be the last.

 

[tennrich1]

Curley is clearly fighting with his own confidence right now. But has he forgotten how to play the infield? Of course not. Lest we forget...DC was our SS as we won the NC last year. That's a big deal. I think most baseball fans understand....the infield (especially the hot corner at third) is NOT for the timid or easily discouraged. When it seems a player is wrestling with his confidence....the ball inevitable will find him on the infield. Uncanny how that happens. Many years ago....I played SS, then moved to 2nd base to make way for a much more gifted SS, and eventually made my way to LF where I played for several years. Playing the outfield (while it's got its own challenges) DOES NOT compare to the intensity of playing on the infield. I know TV and staff will put the best players in the best spots for us to win. Clear and reset tonight!

 

[Orange.]

I think I might just skip out here and watch the game tonight with my dog. She loves the Vols and doesn't complain about them at the drop of a hat.

 

[Ritzwatch]

If we get swept, forget hosting a super and frankly it’ll become questionable for us to host anything at all. We still have to go to Arky at the end of the year. The losses could snowball on us down the stretch.

Are you related to @Weezer?

He is the only poster who consistently plays Nostradamus here on VN. We trust in Weez.
No relation = no credibility re: predictions on the future.

Sorry, Dems da rulz.