South Carolina
Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (03/23/2026) — Blake Grimmer launched a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, delivering a dramatic 4-2 victory for the Tennessee Volunteers over the South Carolina Upstate Spartans on Monday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
The game-ending blast capped a tense, back-and-forth affair that saw both teams trade leads in the final innings. The Volunteers secured the non-conference win by responding immediately after the Spartans had tied the game in the top of the ninth.
How It Happened
South Carolina Upstate struck first, manufacturing a run in the opening inning. After Henry Zenor reached base, he was driven home on a fielder's choice RBI by Preston Lucas, giving the visiting Spartans an early 1-0 advantage.
That narrow lead held for most of the contest as a pitchers' duel unfolded. The Volunteers' offense was kept in check through the middle innings, but the bullpen kept the game within reach. Relievers Brady Frederick and Nic Abraham were particularly effective for Tennessee, combining for 5.2 scoreless innings while striking out seven batters.
The Spartans' relief corps was equally impressive. Nathan Hook, Jack Gibson, and Reece Hemmerling combined to throw six shutout innings, silencing the Tennessee bats and preserving the 1-0 lead into the late stages of the game.
Tennessee’s offense finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh. With two runners on, Blaine Brown lined a single into right-center field, driving in two runs to flip the score and give the Volunteers their first lead of the night, 2-1.
South Carolina Upstate refused to go quietly. In the top of the ninth, Trey Bentley connected for a clutch RBI double to right field, scoring Preston Lucas to tie the game 2-2 and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Turning Point
The decisive moment came with one runner on in the bottom of the ninth. With the game tied 2-2, Grimmer stepped to the plate and ended the contest with a single swing, sending a two-run homer over the wall in right-center to give the Volunteers the walk-off win.
Star of the Game
Blake Grimmer earned top honors for his game-winning heroics. While his home run was his only hit in five at-bats, it was the most impactful play of the night, providing the decisive 2 RBIs. Blaine Brown also delivered a crucial performance for Tennessee, going 2-for-4 with the go-ahead two-RBI single in the seventh inning.
For the Spartans, Trey Bentley and Jake Armsey each recorded two hits, with Bentley driving in the game-tying run in the ninth.
What It Means
For the Tennessee Volunteers, the victory is a significant non-conference win that showcases the team's late-game composure and power. Winning a tight, low-scoring game on a walk-off provides a valuable momentum boost. For South Carolina Upstate, it's a hard-fought loss against a formidable SEC opponent. The Spartans proved they could compete, taking a lead into the seventh inning and tying the game in the ninth, with their pitching staff holding a potent offense to just two runs through eight innings.