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Tennessee Clinches First National Baseball Championship in Historic Victory

Issue #129

25 Jun

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 95

⚾️ Tennessee Clinches First National Baseball Championship in Historic Victory

🎉 Tripp’s Ace 100 Year Block Party

🎹 Sunday: Pipe Organ Recital at St. Peter’s

🎵 This week’s Live Music

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🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, June 25th

Wednesday, June 26th

Thursday, June 27th

Friday, June 28th

Saturday, June 29th

Sunday, June 30th

Tennessee Clinches First National Baseball Championship in Historic Victory

Tennessee clinched their first national championship with a 6-5 victory over Texas A&M in the College World Series finale last night. This moment marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2017 when then-UT athletic director John Currie appointed Tony Vitello as head coach, setting the stage for the team's remarkable ascent.

The Vols showcased their prowess in the intense 100-degree heat of America's Heartland, with standout performances from their top hitters. Christian Moore set the tone early with his 34th home run in the first inning, while Dylan Dreiling's third home run of the championship series highlighted a crucial three-run seventh inning, giving Tennessee a commanding 6-1 lead. Despite this advantage, the game remained suspenseful.

Texas A&M narrowed the gap with two runs in the eighth inning against UT relievers Nate Snead and Dylan Loy, leading to the appearance of Kirby Connell. The senior pitcher, known for his iconic mustache, struck out key batters to bring Tennessee within one inning of their national championship. Aaron Combs later closed out the game, allowing two runs but securing the victory with three strikeouts.

Beyond winning the championship, Tennessee set a school record with 60 wins. Their journey to the top is underscored by their transformation from a team that lost 21 SEC games in 2016 and 2017 to one that lost only 14 games overall this season. This success marks the third time a Vitello-led team has won 50 or more games, and Tennessee is the first No. 1 overall tournament seed to win the national title since Miami in 1999.

Despite their top seeding, Tennessee had to overcome underdog moments. They rallied from a five-run deficit against Florida State in their CWS opener and bounced back from an early 1-0 deficit in Game 2 of the championship series, thanks to Dreiling's clutch seventh-inning home run.

In the final game, Tennessee added two runs in the third inning, taking a 3-1 lead against Texas A&M's starting pitcher Justin Lamkin. While Lamkin struggled, Tennessee's starter Zander Sechrist delivered a solid performance, lasting 5.1 innings before Snead took over and successfully managed a critical situation in the sixth inning.

Snead continued to excel under pressure, notably getting Texas A&M's top power hitter, Jace LaViolette, out with two on and two out in the seventh inning. Meanwhile, Evan Aschenbeck, Texas A&M's top closer, couldn't contain Tennessee's offense, allowing a single to Billy Amick followed by Dreiling's decisive home run.

The final moments of the game saw Aaron Combs striking out three batters in the ninth inning, sealing the victory. Tennessee fans celebrated, CWS MVP Dreiling held his trophy high, and Coach Vitello shared an emotional hug with his father. The seven-year journey from the SEC's lower ranks to the pinnacle of college baseball was complete.

Tripp’s Ace 100 Year Block Party

Come celebrate 100 Years of HELPING people at our BIG BLOCK PARTY, June 29th from 11-2. Free food, demos on all our great grills, giveaways, and so many deals in the store! Please plan to come see us at Tripp’s ACE in Columbia by Legends!

112 E. James Campbell Blvd

Sunday: Pipe Organ Recital at St. Peter’s

Dr. Peter Douglas, Choir Director and Organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, will be featured at an organ recital on Sunday, June 30, at 3:00 p.m. The recital will take place in the St. Peter’s sanctuary, located at 311 West 7th Street in downtown Columbia, next door to the Polk Home. Dr. Douglas will perform a variety of organ works.

“The recital will feature the many colors of the 2-manual Milnar Organ,” said Dr. Douglas. “Audience members will be treated to a variety of organ works, from the pensive Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber to the triumphant Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music. Please join me for an afternoon celebrating the “King of the Instruments.””

Dr. Peter Douglas has established a career as a versatile musician performing as collaborative pianist, solo pianist, organist, conductor, countertenor, and vocal coach. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Piano and Collaborative Pianist at University of Tennessee Southern (Pulaski, TN) and Choir Director/Organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Columbia, TN). Dr. Douglas has also served at churches in Ohio and Indiana. Dr. Douglas earned his Doctor of Arts degree in piano chamber music and accompanying from Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana).

This event is free and open to the public with no tickets required. The recital will also be livestreamed on the St. Peter’s website.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Tuesday, June 25th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 26th

The Howlin Embers, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, June 27th

Kenna Elpers, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Alderson Jazz Collective, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, June 28th

Alyssa Hart, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Grace West Band, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Broke By Monday, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 29th

Music on the Porch Series, 510 N Main St, Mt. Pleasant, TN, 7-9 PM
Tim Turner Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The John Eason Band, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
LynnMarie & E3, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Scotty Morton Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 30th

Nettie & the Delta Boy, The Tilted Mule. 3 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
The Reveal Acoustic, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM

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