Vols take series opener over No. 14 Texas A&M

Tennessee used a strong start from freshman pitcher Sean Hunley and a great day at the plate to pick up a Friday night win over No. 14 Texas A&M, 7-4.

The Vols got up on the Aggies quickly, striking for three runs in the first inning on an RBI single from Pete Derkay and a two-run homer from Andre Lipcius.

Tennessee starting pitcher Sean Hunley entered the game with a 6-0 record and 1.37 ERA, but Friday was his first conference start. Hunley performed well and kept the Vols in the game, finishing with 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 5 K and 1 BB.

A&M came back to tie the game at three, but Tennessee kept its bats going, scoring in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to put away the Aggies.

Andre Lipcius and Evan Russell each finished with 2 RBIs for Tennessee, while Pete Derkay and Brodie Leftridge each added one.

Aggies starting pitcher Mitchell Kilkenny entered the game as one of just two pitchers in the country with an 8-0 record. But after giving up four runs in six innings, Kilkenny received his first loss of the season.

Tennessee and Texas A&M will meet again Saturday at 6 p.m. with the Volunteers looking to win their first series over a ranked opponent.