KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicked off on Friday, May 30. The Knoxville regional began at Lindsey Nelson Stadium with the Tennessee Volunteers hosting. The first game resulted in an 11-6 Cincinnati Bearcats’ win as they defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The second game saw the Tennessee Volunteers defeat the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks 9-2.
Cincinnati’s Fast Start Results in 11-6 Win over Wake Forest – The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 11-6 to get their NCAA Tournament started in the win column.
Home runs from Quinton Coats and Derrick Pitts helped the Bearcats build an 8-3 lead after two innings. Pitts led the game with four RBI. Donovan Ford also hit a home run for Cincinnati.
Both Pitts and Ford had two hits in the game, along with their teammate and designated hitter Landyn Vidourek.
Wake Forest starting pitcher Blake Morningstar had a rough start as he left after 4 and 1/3 innings allowing nine hits and giving up 10 earned runs.
As for Cincinnati starting pitcher Nathan Taylor, he earned the win throwing six innings and striking out seven Wake Forest batters.
Tennessee Dominates Miami (Ohio) in a 9-2 Win – The Tennessee Volunteers took down the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks 9-2 to get the title defending postseason run started on the right foot.
Seven runs by the Volunteers in the third and fourth innings broke the game open.
In total, six different Tennessee hitters had an RBI. Reese Chapman led the way with three RBI and also hit a home run.
Gavin Kilen and Hunter Ensley had multiple hits for the Volunteers. As a whole, the Tennessee lineup struck out three times.
SEC Pitcher of the Year Liam Doyle had another great start on the mound for Tennessee. In 6 and 2/3 innings, he had 11 strikeouts while allowing just four hits and three walks. He also gave up just one earned run.
Up Next – On Saturday, May 31, Wake Forest and Miami (Ohio) will play at noon EDT. Tennessee and Cincinnati will follow that up and play at 6 p.m. EDT.
Photo: Levi Clark (30) runs to first base after connecting for a hit during an NCAA regional baseball game against Miami on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
