KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 20, 2024) – The ETSU baseball team will head out on the road for the first time this season on Wednesday when it visits nationally-ranked Tennessee. First pitch between the Buccaneers and Volunteers is set for 4:30 p.m. on SEC Network Plus. 
 
Probable Pitching Matchup
LHP Derek McCarley (ETSU) vs. LHP Matthew Dallas (UT) - Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. | Live Stats | SEC Network Plus
 
Last Time Out – The Buccaneers swept Lafayette over the weekend at Thomas Stadium by scores of 27-7, 15-5 and 13-1. With that sweep, ETSU has now won its opening series six consecutive seasons. 
 
Offense, Offense, Offense – ETSU had one of its most impressive offensive series in quite some time last weekend. Overall, the Bucs hit .373 as a team, totaled 41 hits (21 for extra bases), worked 30 walks, and finished the three-game set with an on-base percentage of .526. Furthermore, the 55 runs scored by the Bucs is the team's most runs scored in a series since May 2008 when they scored 68 runs in a three-game set against Maryland Eastern Shore. 
 
On the Mound – The Bucs also had a stellar weekend from their pitching staff. Over the three games, ETSU held the Leopards to a .188 batting average and struck out 43 hitters in 27 innings. Overall, eight Buccaneer pitchers made their debut with the team last weekend and three of those newcomers picked up wins (Carter Fink, Michael Harpster, Jace Hyde) in their inaugural appearance as a Buc. 
 
National Leaders – Entering play on Tuesday, the Buccaneers lead the nation in doubles (17) and runs per game (18.3). ETSU also ranks second in the country in runs scored (55), fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (14.3), eighth in on-base percentage (.526) and tenth in walks (30). 
 
About Tennessee – Tennessee, which is ranked ninth in this week's Top 25 Poll by D1Baseball.com, opened its 2024 season with three games over the weekend in Texas. The Volunteers picked up wins against Texas Tech (6-2) and Baylor (11-5) but fell in 10 innings to Oklahoma (5-1). Tennessee will open a 15-game home stand on Tuesday vs. UNC Asheville before taking on the Bucs on Wednesday. 

Series History vs. Tennessee – Historically, Tennessee has held the edge against the Bucs winning 69 of the 89 all-time meetings which includes a 39-10 mark in Knoxville. However, the Bucs have battled the Volunteers tough lately as seven of the last eight games between the two programs have been decided by four runs or less. ETSU will be looking for its first win against Tennessee since March 26, 2019, when it came away with a 6-5 win in Knoxville. 

For more information on Buccaneer baseball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the baseball tab.