Sports
Tennessee Baseball Blows Ninth-Inning Lead, Loses Game 1 to LSU in Walk-Off Heartbreaker
Apr
A Ninth-Inning Meltdown
The Vols (28-7, 8-6 SEC) carried a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth, with All-American reliever Nate Snead on the mound. But what followed was a nightmare sequence for Tennessee.
After a leadoff single, LSU’s Steven Milam laid down a bunt that Snead fielded—only to airmail the throw into right field, putting runners on second and third with no outs. A sacrifice fly cut the lead to 5-4, and then, with two outs, Tennessee’s defense unraveled again.
A grounder to third should have ended the game, but Billy Amick’s throw sailed high, pulling first baseman Blake Burke off the bag. The tying run scored, and moments later, Milam—who started the rally—delivered the final blow with a walk-off RBI single, sending LSU’s dugout into a frenzy and leaving the Vols in stunned silence.
Missed Chances Haunt Tennessee
The loss overshadowed a strong start from AJ Causey, who tossed 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball, and a three-hit night from Christian Moore. Tennessee had chances to extend its lead late, stranding runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings.
But in the end, it was the defense—usually a strength for this team—that betrayed them. Two errors in the final frame turned what should have been a statement win into a crushing defeat.
What’s Next?
Tennessee must regroup quickly, with Game 2 set for Saturday afternoon. The Vols still control their destiny in the series, but Friday’s collapse will linger if they don’t respond. For LSU (24-12, 4-10 SEC), this could be the spark they desperately needed in a struggling season.
One thing is certain: Tennessee won’t forget this one anytime soon.
