The College World Series final brought an exhilarating end to what has been a memorable tournament, crowning the Tennessee Volunteers as champions for the first time in school history. With an intense 6-5 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in Game 3 of the championship round, the Volunteers demonstrated unwavering determination and skill on the diamond.
The game began with a bang as Christian Moore launched a home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning, setting the tone for Tennessee. However, Texas A&M responded in the third inning, leveling the score at 1-1. The Aggies’ Travis Chestnut bunted for a hit and advanced to second on an error. Chestnut's heads-up play continued as he stole third base and promptly scored on a single from Gavin Grahovic.
Still, Tennessee had more up their sleeve. Blake Burke's double followed by a sacrifice fly from Dylan Dreiling allowed him to score, putting the Volunteers ahead. Hunter Ensley and Kavares Tears singled, and Dean Curley capitalized on the opportunity, driving home another run and extending Tennessee's lead to 3-1.
The bottom of the seventh inning saw Tennessee pull further ahead. Dreiling hit a two-run home run, bringing the crowd to their feet. Tears further cushioned the lead by doubling home Ensley, making it a 6-1 game. Nevertheless, the Aggies were not ready to concede just yet.
Texas A&M narrowed the gap by scoring two runs in the eighth inning, bringing the score to 6-3. The Volunteers’ reliever, Kirby Connell, stepped up to the occasion, striking out two batters and preventing the Aggies from inflicting further damage. The ninth inning brought more tension as Texas A&M scored two additional runs, making it a nail-biting 6-5. However, Tennessee held their ground, sealing their historic victory.
Volunteers' starter, Zander Sechrist, played a crucial role, allowing just one run over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven and walking one. His stellar performance laid the foundation for Tennessee's success.
This momentous win marks Tennessee's first national baseball title. Entering the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, the Volunteers hosted a regional where they showcased their prowess by outscoring Northern Kentucky, Indiana, and Southern Mississippi by a combined 33-15. They continued their dominance in the Super Regional, winning a decisive Game 3 against Evansville with a commanding 12-1 victory.
Tennessee's journey through the College World Series was no less impressive. They emerged victorious over Florida State twice, 12-11 and 7-2, and defeated North Carolina 6-1. Even after losing Game 1 of the finals and trailing 1-0 in Game 2, the Volunteers displayed their resilience by rallying back with two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to win 4-1.
One of the standout moments of the tournament was Christian Moore hitting for the second cycle in College World Series history during Tennessee's opening win over Florida State. Such feats underscore the talent and relentless spirit of the Volunteers, a team that finished with an undefeated 3-0 record in elimination games.
Texas A&M, who reached the finals without their top hitter Braden Montgomery due to a leg injury, nonetheless showed remarkable grit throughout the tournament. The Aggies won Game 1 of the finals with a score of 9-5, earning their place in the final showdown against Tennessee.
The College World Series began with eight formidable teams, including Virginia, NC State, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, and Florida. Each team brought their own strengths and storylines, making this year's tournament a showcase of competitive collegiate baseball at its finest.
The culmination of their efforts was witnessed on June 24, where Tennessee's narrow 6-5 win over Texas A&M in Game 3 concluded the 2019 College World Series. Fans were treated to a display of athleticism and determination, capping off a thrilling season and a tournament to remember.