KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 4 Tennessee struggled to find the big hit it needed on Tuesday night, dropping its midweek contest to Lipscomb, 4-1, at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Vols had their chances throughout the game, outhitting the Bisons 8-6, but struggled with runners in scoring position, leaving 13 runners on base for the game.

UT’s trio of relieves Will Mabrey, Mark McLaughlin and Camden Sewell had solid performances despite the loss, holding Lipscomb scoreless over the final seven innings.

McLaughlin and Sewell were especially impressive, as the duo did not allow a hit over the final six innings and combined for nine strikeouts.

Jackson Greer was the only Vol with multi hits on the night, finishing 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Liam Spence, Max Ferguson, Jake Rucker, Drew Gilbert, Pete Derkay and Christian Scott all had one hit apiece for the Big Orange.

After both teams scored a run in the first inning, the Bisons were able to take advantage of a Tennessee error in the second to score three unearned runs and take a 4-1 lead. Leadoff man Tiger Borom had the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run single up the middle with two outs to give Lipscomb the lead.

Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the game. The Bisons used five relievers to hold the Vols off the scoreboard over the final eight innings. Patrick Williams earned his first win of the year while Tyler Drabick picked up the save after tossing two scoreless innings to shut the door.

The Vols (32-10 // 12-6 SEC) will look to rebound as they begin their home series against Kentucky on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

NOTABLE

SOLID NIGHT FOR THE BULLPEN: Despite its struggles at the plate, UT was never out of the game thanks to some solid work from the bullpen. Tennessee’s relievers surrendered just one unearned run on three hits over the final 7.2 innings and did not allow a single hit over the final six innings.

TOUGH NIGHT AT THE DISH: After exploding for 20 runs in last Sunday’s win at Texas A&M, Tennessee was just unable to find the big hit on Tuesday night, going 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Box Score (PDF) | Postgame Presser (Vitello & Derkay)

-UT Athletics