#1/1 Vols Toss Second No-Hitter This Season in Series-Opening Win Over Aggies
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#1/1 Vols Toss Second No-Hitter This Season in Series-Opening Win Over Aggies

April 5, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the second time this season, top-ranked Tennessee tossed a combined no-hitter as Liam Doyle and Dylan Loy mowed through the Texas A&M lineup in a 10-0, seven-inning run-rule win in front of a record-setting crowd of 6,544 on Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Doyle was dominant throughout, striking out eight batters while allowing two walks over six shutout innings to earn the win and improve to 5-1 on the year. The junior lefty did not pitch the final inning after developing a blister on his throwing hand.

Fellow southpaw Dylan Loy closed out the no-no by retiring the Aggies in order in the top of the seventh inning.

Playing Long Ball

The Vols (28-2, 9-1 SEC) scored eight of their 10 runs via the long ball, hitting four home runs on the night.

Andrew Fischer blasted two over the right-field wall to increase his team-leading total to 13, including a solo homer to open the scoring in the second inning, followed by a three-run shot off the videoboard to make it 4-0 in the third inning.

Dean Curley extended the Tennessee lead to five runs with a solo home run in the fifth inning before the Vols exploded for five more runs in the bottom of the sixth, capped by a Hunter Ensley three-run opposite field blast to send the run-rule into effect.

Eight of UT’s nine starters finished with a hit while the first four batters in the order – Curley, Dalton Bargo, Ensley and Fischer – all had two hits and at least one RBI.

No-Hitter No. 2

Friday night’s no-hitter was the first by an SEC team in league play since Vanderbilt threw a combined no-hitter in a win over Kentucky on April 22, 2022.

This marks the second season in which Tennessee has recorded multiple no-hitters in a single season with the other occurrence coming in 1976 when it happened three times.   

The Vols have now tossed five combined no-hitters and 10 total no-hitters in program history.

Up Next

With inclement weather in the forecast on Sunday, the Vols and Aggies will wrap up this weekend’s series with a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 3 p.m. Game two of the doubleheader will begin at approximately 7 p.m. or 45 minutes following the conclusion of game one.

Both games are slated to be full, nine-inning contests and will be streamed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.  

Fiedler’s Firepower, Clarke’s Clutch Hit Fuel #7 Lady Vols’ Run-Rule
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Fiedler’s Firepower, Clarke’s Clutch Hit Fuel #7 Lady Vols’ Run-Rule

April 5, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 7 Tennessee opened its three-game series against No. 17 Mississippi State with an 8-0 run-rule victory Friday night at Sherri Lee Parker Stadium.
 
The Lady Vols (31-7, 6-4 SEC) wasted no time, striking first in the bottom of the first inning. Kinsey Fiedler crushed a two-run homer, her second of the season, to give Tennessee a 2-0 lead.
 
The offense kept rolling in the frame as Taylor Pannell worked a walk following two illegal pitches by Mississippi State (30-9, 6-4 SEC) before McKenna Gibson got hit to put two runners on. Sophia Nugent followed with an RBI single to left field, extending the lead to 3-0.
 
In the fifth inning, Tennessee’s bats exploded once again. McKenna Gibson led off with a solo homer, her seventh of the season, to make it 4-0. Nugent and Laura Mealer kept the pressure on with back-to-back singles, and Gabby Leach walked to load the bases.
 
With two outs, Emma Clarke came through with a clutch pinch-hit two-run double, pushing the advantage to 6-0. Fiedler then capped the game with a walk-off single to right, enforcing the run rule and securing Tennessee’s 17th run-rule win of the season.
 
IN THE CIRCLE
Karlyn Pickens (14-4) delivered a dominant performance, striking out six and allowing just four hits in a five-inning shutout. She worked her way out of an early jam in the first inning when Mississippi State put runners in scoring position with no outs. Pickens responded by retiring the next three batters, preventing the Bulldogs from scoring. The right-hander lowered her ERA to 0.98 in the outing.
 
NOTABLE PERFORMERS
Fiedler led the offense, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs, including her two-run homer.
 
Gibson finished 1-for-1 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and launched her 40th career home run, tying her for sixth on Tennessee’s all-time list with Zaida Puni.
 
Mealer went 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Nugent also posted a 2-for-3 line with an RBI.
 
DUE UP
Tennessee is set to play a doubleheader on Saturday, with the first game starting at 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The series finale will follow at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on SEC Network+.

McMinn County Man Loses Thousands in Border Patrol Scam, Sheriff Says

McMinn County Man Loses Thousands in Border Patrol Scam, Sheriff Says

April 4, 2025

McMinn County, TN (WOKI) Authorities in McMinn County are warning of a new scam involving individuals posing as agents with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office says the scam cost an elderly man tens of thousands of dollars.

MCSO says the victim was called in March by someone claiming to be a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent. The “agent” told the man that the victim was connected to drugs and money seized at the southern border, and he needed to pay.

The man complied, withdrawing large sums of cash from several banks and placing the money in a shoe box for pickup at his house by one of the scammers.

MCSO says that federal and local law enforcement will never call asking for money.

According to the sheriff’s office, the victim was called in March by someone claiming to be a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent. (Frankly Media)
Maryville Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash Released from Hospital, Police Say

Maryville Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash Released from Hospital, Police Say

April 4, 2025

Maryville, TN (WOKI) A Maryville Police Department officer is recovering at home after being injured Thursday evening in a crash.

MPD officials say the officer, a man, was on his motorcycle responding to another motor vehicle accident when the crash in which he was involved occurred.

MPD says the officer was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash and was reported in stable condition Thursday.

The officer was released from the hospital Friday afternoon to continue recovering at home.

No additional details on the crash have been released.

MPD officials have not released additional details regarding the crash. (Courtesy: Maryville Police Department)
Fire Destroys a Cabin in Pigeon Forge
WVLT

Fire Destroys a Cabin in Pigeon Forge

April 4, 2025

(Sevier County, TN – WVLT/ WOKI) Firefighters with the Pigeon Forge Fire Department battle a cabin fire this (Friday) morning.

Sevier County EMA Director Joe Ayers says that crews were called to the cabin on Eagle Crest Way and found an unoccupied cabin was fully involved with multiple crews assisting in the fire.

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The City of Sevierville Fire Department assisted with covering calls in Pigeon Forge while crews were battling the fire.

Knoxville Police are Investigating after Multiple People are Injured in BucketHead Tavern Shooting

Knoxville Police are Investigating after Multiple People are Injured in BucketHead Tavern Shooting

April 4, 2025

The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a shooting with multiple victims that happened early Friday morning outside of the BucketHead Tavern in West Knoxville. 

At around 1:15 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2024, KPD officers responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of BucketHead Tavern on Ray Mears Boulevard. 

Responding officers found three gunshot victims on scene, all of which were transported to an area hospital. While officers were on scene, a fourth gunshot victim arrived at the Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center via a personal vehicle. The victims — three men and one woman — sustained injuries that believed to be non-life-threatening at this time. 

Based on a preliminary review of available surveillance video, the suspect appeared to be a Black male wearing dark clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan. 

The investigation remains in the early stages and is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165. 

More information will be released as the investigation progresses. 

2025 Vol Network Football Broadcast Team Unveiled
Courtesy / UT Athletics

2025 Vol Network Football Broadcast Team Unveiled

April 4, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Vol Network will launch its 77th season of Tennessee football coverage this fall and feature a gameday broadcast team headlined by new “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith.

VFL and 11-year NFL standout Ramon Foster will join Keith as the new booth analyst. In addition, Vol Network stalwarts Brent Hubbs and VFL Jayson Swain will return with expanded roles.

Foster starred for the Vols from 2005-08 after redshirting in 2004. A team captain, he played in 44 games with 28 offensive line starts and was a second-team All-SEC honoree on the Vols’ 2007 SEC Eastern Division championship team.

Foster joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009 where he established himself as one of the most consistent and respected players during his tenure. In total, Foster started 145 of the 160 games he played in from 2009-19 with both of those figures ranking as the second most in team history at the guard position. A member of four AFC North divisional championship teams, he still works closely with the NFL and NFLPA.

Foster has been a mainstay on Vol Network affiliate 104.5 FM The Zone in Nashville since August of 2020. He co-hosts Ramon, Kayla and Will on the station weekdays from 6-10 a.m. CT. He served as the sideline reporter for Tennessee Titans radio the past two seasons, and he hosts The Ramon Foster Show, a podcast focused on Steelers’ coverage. 

“We are thrilled to congratulate Ramon Foster on his exciting new role as the color analyst for the Vol Network, representing the SEC powerhouse University of Tennessee Volunteers,” said Allison Warren, VP/Market Manager with Cumulus Nashville. As a former player for Tennessee, this is truly a homecoming for Ramon, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see him join the Vol Network family.

“Ramon has been a strong and influential voice for 104.5 The Zone and Zone TV, with over 11 seasons in the NFL and a successful college playing career. This is a natural next step for him, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements. The Zone and Zone TV have been long-time partners of the Vol Network, and we are honored to continue our collaboration as the Nashville affiliate airing the Vol Network. Congratulations, Ramon!”

Entering his fifth season on the network, Swain will provide analysis and be joined by Foster and Hubbs on “Big Orange Countdown.” Swain will co-host the broadcast’s halftime and postgame shows. The VFL and team captain starred for the Vols from 2003-06 and was a member of the Vols’ 2004 SEC Eastern Division title team. He signed with the Chicago Bears and still ranks seventh all-time in UT career receptions with 126.

Swain co-hosts the Josh and Swain show weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 99.1 FM The Sports Animal in Knoxville. He has hosted his own podcast, The Swain Event, since 2009. 

Hubbs will serve as sideline reporter, giving fans updates from the field throughout the game. The 32-year Vol Network veteran will continue to host “Big Orange Countdown” to kick off the network’s pregame coverage. He will also conduct the Vol Network’s exclusive postgame interview with Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel.

Keith returned to Rocky Top earlier this year after spending the last 26 years as the “Voice of the Tennessee Titans.” Along with being named Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year 12 times and winning 20+ Associated Press awards, Keith owns a 1997 Edward R. Murrow Award for nationwide excellence in reporting. He is a member of five Halls of Fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, TSSAA Hall of Fame, BGA Hall of Fame and the University of Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame.  

Fans will get a preview of the new broadcast team for the Orange & White Game presented by Cherokee Resorts & Entertainment on April 12 in Neyland Stadium. Vol Network radio affiliates will be on the air at 2 p.m. ET, including locally in Knoxville on WNML-FM 99.1 and AM 990. A live audio stream will also be available on UTsports.com​ and the Tennessee Athletics App.

Tickets for the spring game are on sale now at AllVols.com.

Stations … stand by.

Three Vols Named to Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Three Vols Named to Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List

April 4, 2025

CARY, N.C. – Tennessee had three players tabbed to the midseason watch list for 2025 Golden Spikes Award as announced by USA Baseball on Thursday afternoon.

Gavin Kilen, Liam Doyle and Marcus Phillips were the three Vols named to the midseason watch list for the most prestigious award in amateur baseball. UT’s three selections are tied for the most of any program with Florida State and Wake Forest, while the Southeastern Conference’s 14 players were the most of any league.

The full midseason watch list can be seen HERE.

At the halfway point of the regular season, Kilen leads Tennessee with a .425 batting average, .546 on-base percentage, .973 slugging percentage, 1.519 OPS, three triples and 71 total bases. The junior infielder also ranks second on the team with 10 home runs and third with 32 runs scored despite missing the majority of the last two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Doyle has been one of the most electric arms in the country so far this season, leading the NCAA with 73 strikeouts and 17.92 strikeouts per nine innings. The junior lefthander is 4-1 on the year with a 2.95 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 36.2 innings of work as the Vols’ game one starter.

Phillips has been equally as impressive on the mound as UT’s game two starter, leading the SEC with a 2.02 ERA over seven starts and 35.2 innings pitched. The junior righthander is 2-0 with a 0.93 WHIP and 42 strikeouts compared to just nine walks on the year.

Fan voting will again play a part in the Golden Spikes Award in 2025. Following the semifinalist announcement on May 18, baseball fans can vote for their favorite players on GoldenSpikesAward.com to help determine the finalists and winner. The 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner will be announced in late June in conjunction with the end of the amateur baseball season.

To stay up to date on the 2025 Golden Spikes Award, visit GoldenSpikesAward.com and follow @USAGoldenSpikes on Instagram and Twitter/X.
 

Multiple Vols Earn Midseason Honors

Head Coach Tony Vitello was tabbed the Perfect Game Midseason Coach of the Year on Wednesday while Tennessee was selected as the Perfect Game Midseason Team of the Year, as well.

The Vols also had six different players garner midseason All-America acclaim from either D1Baseball.com or Perfect Game.
– DH Levi Clark (Freshman 1st Team – Perfect Game)
– LHP Liam Doyle (1st Team – D1Baseball & Perfect Game)
– 1B Andrew Fischer (2nd Team – D1Baseball & Perfect Game)
– 2B Gavin Kilen (1st Team – D1Baseball & Perfect Game)
– RHP Marcus Phillips (1st Team – Perfect Game)
– RHP Nate Snead (3rd Team – Perfect Game)

Neighbors Concerned about Development Which Could Bring 1,000 New Homes to Sevierville
WVLT

Neighbors Concerned about Development Which Could Bring 1,000 New Homes to Sevierville

April 4, 2025

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT WOKI) – Neighbors along Red Bank Road in Sevierville are expressing their concern about a new development that would bring roughly a thousand homes to the area.

“It’s the sheer number is the problem,“ Weston underwood said. ”Not against development and growing, but at this capacity it just it can’t handle it.”

Underwood grew up in the adjacent neighborhood, Red Bank Circle, and has now moved back home. He says he knows personally that this area cannot handle a thousand new homes, people and cars.

“It’s not just Red Bank that’s affected, it’s anyone that’s going to travel on Hwy. 416 because, I mean you’re adding 1,000 to 3,000 people and cars to the road,” Underwood said.

The proposal as it stands would put those homes into a 200 acre plot of land. That land would also hold commercial zoning.

The planning commission held a public forum with the community to discuss their concerns with the subdivision.

“We’re here doing a little fact finding ourselves. We need to see what questions that we can ask. This is about transparency, we want this community involvement,” Planning Commission Chairman Vincent Snider said.

The community made sure to get involved, packing the Sevierville Civic Center. Dozens of neighbors coming out to speak their mind.

“We want to address this in a responsible manner to meet a need in a way that works well in the city and community,” Snider said.

The room was packed 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Neighbors took turns discussing different issues such as the lack of entry points into the community, which currently has only two.

Other points brought up were developers that are not from the area, how the area is not zoned for residential, but the main issue was traffic.

Neighbors say traffic is already a problem, now they’re worried about more coming in.

“There’s a lot of development other than this that has happened to us and you know obviously tourists are aware of this road now and that’s fine. It’s just you know like I said, if there’s this many people on the road, if there’s an emergency not only getting in, but what if we need to get out?” Underwood said.

Snider saying answering questions like that is what this forum is made for.

“A preliminary traffic study has been done we’re going to look into that see how detailed it is, see if we need more details. The road construction will need to be addressed, that would be something that is done by the developer,” Snider said.

Snider says they are trying to learn as much as possible before a vote takes place.

“This is just an initial presentation tonight, allow us to have some conversation, hear from the community, what their concerns are. Then it will come back before the planning commission, we will either approve or deny it. If it were approved it will then go to the mayor and aldermen and their will be three readings there before it is approved,” Snider said.

Story courtesy of our news partner WVLT

Five People Confirmed Dead in Severe Storms in Tennessee

Five People Confirmed Dead in Severe Storms in Tennessee

April 4, 2025

Officials confirm at least five people have died in severe storms that moved through Middle and West Tennessee.

The weather-related deaths were reported in the following areas:

One in McNairy County

One in Obion County

One in Hardeman County

Two in Fayette County

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office say a 48-year-old man and his 16 year-old daughter were found dead at home in Moscow and the 46-year-old mother was taken to the hospital in critical condition, she was trapped underneath their home. Two other family members were taken to the hospital in stable condition.

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