Tony Vitello shares how opponents are succeeding against Drew Beam

After winning the series against Kentucky on Saturday, Tony Vitello and the Tennessee Volunteers went for the sweep on Sunday. That’s not what happened, though, with the Wildcats dominating the game 10-0.

Part of Tennessee’s issue was that Kentucky was able to tee off against starting pitcher Drew Beam. As Vitello explained, a huge issue for Beam has been his location over the middle.

“Usually, there’s pretty good location to both sides of the plate,” Tony Vitello said. “I haven’t watched today’s game on video but I think some pitches, especially when he’s ahead in the count, missing over the middle or the heart of the plate.”

In his last two starts against Kentucky and Georgia, Beam has only lasted six innings total. In those six innings, he’s given up 11 earned runs. He also got tagged for six home runs.

“And there’s also been occasions when he’s behind in the count more than normal so he has to go,” Vitello said. “So, ultimately, if you break it down, whether it’s this team we just played or another one, if you’re in the center of the plate too often, you know, bad things can happen.”

Luckily for Tennessee, the Volunteers have proven that they’re a resilient team. So, even after a tough loss, the Volunteers should be able to bounce back quickly.

“Yeah, it was huge and these guys got a little bit of a knack for whatever reason at responding or answering back when maybe things don’t go our way or the other team does damage. And it’s a great attribute to have because you consistently feel like you’re moving forward regardless of what’s going on,” Vitello said.

“And I think part of it is the chicken and the egg thing. Part of it is the mentality we’ve had for the last few weeks has been more pushed forward, regardless of what it looks like because it’s always going to look dicey at times. So, I think it was a byproduct of that and it goes without saying those two runs were great for Burnsey. I mean, you trust him in a one-run game, no doubt, but he and I will take as many as we can get.”

Tony Vitello gave a health update on Jared Dickey

Perhaps the biggest loss that Tennessee suffered on Sunday was that of Jared Dickey, who left the game after being injured sliding. After the game, Tony Vitello shared an update on Dickey’s health.

“Some soreness in there,” Vitello said.

“Just kind of confirmed, definitely real sore. More sore today than he was yesterday. So, that’s not a rush effort by us by any means. I’d like to see him out there playing as much as you all would and the fans, and of course, as eager as he is to get back out there. But we won’t rush it. The soreness needs to go away and then make sure he’s got range of motion and make sure it’s the best situation for him to get out there.”

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