Despite the key Vanderbilt-Kentucky game starting an hour before Tennessee’s game against South Carolina on Saturday afternoon, the Vols wrapped up their nine-inning win over the Gamecocks before the conclusion of the Wilcats’ game against the Commodores.
Entering the day, Tennessee needed a win over South Carolina and a Vanderbilt win over Kentucky to clinch a share of the regular-season championship. The Vols’ 4-1 victory over the Gamecocks in Knoxville came as the bottom of the ninth was rolling up in Lexington.
Tennessee’s team was fresh off the turf as they huddled around a TV to watch the final few outs. Vanderbilt held on to a 12-4 win in the final inning and secured the win just about 15 minutes after Tennessee’s, leading to a burst of excitement from the Vols’ players.
You love to see it! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DT0BuZfUUG
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) May 18, 2024
Tennessee returned to the field with much of the crowd still waiting in their seats for a quick celebration under the Knoxville sun.
The SEC champs, clad in Big Orange 🏆🍊 pic.twitter.com/0XQwAxA53K
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) May 18, 2024
More from RTI: Tennessee Baseball Completes Sweep Of South Carolina To End Regular Season
#Vols celebrate becoming co-SEC champs in Lindsey Nelson Stadium. pic.twitter.com/HLdvG3UGae
— Jack Foster (@jackfostermedia) May 18, 2024
Tennessee’s win combined with Kentucky’s loss officially locks in the Vols and Wildcats as the co-SEC Champions for the 2024 season. Tennessee and Kentucky both went 22-8 on the season with the Vols winning the three-game series in Lexington this season, thus giving Tennessee the No. 1 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
Tennessee earned a share of the SEC Championship by winning nine straight conference series, capping things off with a three-game sweep over No. 24 South Carolina on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
No. 1 ranked Tennessee will be the top seed in the SEC Tournament next week in Hoover, Alabama. The Vols’ first game is set for approximately 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
