March 22, 2007

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The Tennessee baseball team will open its Southeastern Conference home schedule this weekend with a three-game series against Georgia at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. First pitch Friday is set for 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday's games begin at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

Tennessee (14-9, 1-2 SEC) has won eight of its last 10 games, including its last seven contests at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Vols are coming off a 16-4 victory against Wright State Tuesday night. Preseason All-America selection Julio Borbon made his first start of the year in that game, batting fifth in the order as UT's designated hitter and going 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs. In six career games against Georgia, Borbon has batted .414 with 10 hits and six RBIs.

Georgia is 9-11 overall this season and coming off a three-game sweep of Auburn last weekend (the only SEC team to go unbeaten on the opening weekend of SEC play). The Bulldogs are led by sophomore shortstop Gordon Beckham, who is batting .250 with 21 hits, nine doubles, four home runs, 17 RBIs and a .500 slugging percentage. The Bulldogs are hitting .264 as a team with a 3.19 staff ERA.

Junior left-hander James Adkins (2-3, 3.13 ERA) will take the mound Friday for the Volunteers opposite UGA left-hander Nathan Moreau (2-0, 2.77 ERA). Saturday's contest matches a pair of right-handers as UT senior Craig Cobb (4-2, 4.96 ERA) faces Georgia sophomore Trevor Holder (0-1, 3.22 ERA). The weekend concludes with a glimpse into the future as freshman lefthander Nick Hernandez (2-2, 7.17 ERA) pitches against Bulldog freshman Justin Earls (2-1, 1.61 ERA).

Tennessee leads the all-time series with Georgia 106-96, dating to 1909. The Vols have won this series each of the last four years, posting a 9-3 record against the Bulldogs during that span. UT head coach Rod Delmonico owns a 35-19 (.648) career record vs. UGA, including an impressive 19-6 mark in Knoxville.

Initial Knoxville weather forecasts call for temperatures in the 80s all weekend. Fans who attend Friday's series-opener will be treated to a postgame fireworks show.

Saturday is "Halls Night" at the ballpark. Big Orange fans from the Knoxville community of Halls are encouraged to show their support for former Halls High School standout and current Vols freshman Jeff Lockwood. The "Halls Night" promotion allows fans to purchase a game ticket and a meal (sandwich, chips and a drink) for just $10.

Also on both Friday and Saturday, Allegiant Air will be giving away two round-tip tickets to Orlando, Tampa or Las Vegas (winner can choose). Fans can sign up to win when they enter the stadium. Separate drawings will be held both nights

All kids receive free admission to Sunday's series-finale, and "Fan Appreciation Day" festivities after the game allow fans to visit with the team on the field while kids can run the bases.