Starting pitchers announced for Tennessee in Astros Foundation College Classic

The No. 1/3 Tennessee Volunteers are set to take on a talented field in the Astros Foundation College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston, and head coach Tony Vitello has officially named the starting pitchers for the Vols’ three marquee matchups. As Tennessee looks to maintain its early-season dominance, the pitching staff will be under the spotlight in one of the biggest non-conference showcases of the season.

Here’s a breakdown of Tennessee’s starting pitchers for the weekend, their matchups, and what to expect from the Vols as they take the field in Houston.

Tennessee’s Starting Pitchers for the Weekend

Friday, March 1 – vs. No. 24 Texas Tech

Starter: Drew Beam (RHP, Junior)

• 2024 Stats: (Through early-season starts)
  • Record: 1-0
  • ERA: 1.50
  • Strikeouts: 10
  • Innings Pitched: 12.0
  • Opponent Batting Avg: .167

Scouting Report:
Drew Beam has been one of Tennessee’s most reliable arms over the past two seasons, and he’ll get the ball for the Vols in their first game of the Classic. The junior right-hander is known for his elite command, smooth mechanics, and ability to pitch deep into games.

Beam’s mid-90s fastball plays up due to his ability to locate it on the edges, and his secondary pitches (slider & changeup) give him the ability to work through deep lineups. Against Texas Tech, he’ll need to navigate a powerful lineup that thrives on aggressive swings early in the count.

🔹 Key Matchup: Beam vs. Texas Tech’s middle-of-the-order power hitters. If he can limit extra-base hits, Tennessee should be in good shape.

🔹 Quote from Tony Vitello: “Drew is a guy we trust in big moments. He’s been through the fire in the SEC, and he’s going to give us a great chance to win against a talented Texas Tech team.”

Saturday, March 2 – vs. Houston

Starter: AJ Causey (RHP, Junior – Jacksonville State Transfer)

• 2024 Stats:
  • Record: 2-0
  • ERA: 0.00
  • Strikeouts: 15
  • Innings Pitched: 10.0
  • Opponent Batting Avg: .125

Scouting Report:
AJ Causey has been one of the most dominant pitchers on Tennessee’s staff since transferring from Jacksonville State, where he was an All-Conference performer. He brings a deceptive fastball (low-to-mid 90s) and an elite slider that has already made SEC hitters look foolish in early-season action.

Against Houston, Causey will be tasked with handling a lineup that thrives on contact and situational hitting. His ability to miss bats while also limiting walks makes him a perfect fit for this matchup.

🔹 Key Matchup: Causey vs. Houston’s small-ball approach. Houston doesn’t rely on power but instead manufactures runs—if Causey keeps his pitch count down and forces weak contact, he could cruise.

🔹 Quote from Tennessee Pitching Coach Frank Anderson: “Causey has come in and impressed us all. He’s got poise beyond his years, and his ability to command the game will be huge in this environment.”

Sunday, March 3 – vs. No. 14 Texas

Starter: Zander Sechrist (LHP, Senior)

• 2024 Stats:
  • Record: 1-0
  • ERA: 2.25
  • Strikeouts: 8
  • Innings Pitched: 8.0
  • Opponent Batting Avg: .190

Scouting Report:
A veteran lefty with pinpoint control, Zander Sechrist has earned the Sunday start in Tennessee’s biggest game of the weekend against No. 14 Texas. The Longhorns are known for their patient at-bats and strong offensive approach, so Sechrist’s ability to change speeds and work the edges of the strike zone will be key.

Sechrist doesn’t overpower hitters with velocity, but his ability to locate pitches and disrupt timing makes him a valuable asset against elite lineups. His fastball sits in the high 80s/low 90s, but his breaking ball and changeup keep hitters guessing.

🔹 Key Matchup: Sechrist vs. Texas’ patient hitters. If he can get ahead in counts and avoid deep pitch counts, he’ll keep Tennessee in the game.

🔹 Quote from Sechrist on the Opportunity: “Texas is one of the best teams in the country. It’s a great challenge, but that’s what you come to Tennessee for—to play in these big moments.”

What This Means for Tennessee’s Pitching Strategy

With this rotation, Tennessee is positioning itself well for a successful weekend in Houston.

1. Setting the Tone with Beam

• Beam is the perfect Game 1 starter because of his ability to work deep into games.
• If he gives Tennessee 6+ strong innings, it saves the bullpen for the weekend.

2. Causey’s Unhittable Slider in Game 2

• Against a small-ball Houston team, Causey’s ability to miss bats will be crucial.
• If he continues his early-season dominance, Tennessee should handle business against Houston.

3. Sechrist as the Experienced Sunday Starter

• Sechrist’s ability to limit damage is ideal for a Sunday game when the bullpen might be needed.
• Against a Texas team that wears pitchers down, his composure will be key.

The Bullpen: Key Arms to Watch

Though Tennessee’s starting rotation is strong, the bullpen will also play a huge role. Here are some of the key relievers who could be called upon in big moments:

1. Aaron Combs (RHP, Sophomore)

• Power arm who has shown dominant stuff early in the season
• Could be used in high-leverage spots in all three games

2. Kirby Connell (LHP, Senior)

• Crafty lefty with an unorthodox delivery who can neutralize left-handed hitters
• A key option to come in after Sechrist against Texas

3. Nate Snead (RHP, Junior)

• Closer candidate with a high-90s fastball
• If Tennessee has a lead late, expect him to take the mound

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from Tennessee’s Pitching Staff in Houston

The Astros Foundation College Classic will be Tennessee’s first major test of the season, and the Vols’ pitching staff will be under the microscope. With Drew Beam, AJ Causey, and Zander Sechrist leading the way, Tennessee has a well-balanced rotation that can handle both power-hitting teams (Texas Tech, Texas) and contact-heavy teams (Houston).

If the Vols’ starting pitchers execute their game plans and keep pitch counts low, Tennessee could sweep the weekend and further cement itself as one of the top teams in the country heading into SEC play.

Expect Beam’s control, Causey’s strikeout ability, and Sechrist’s experience to be the keys to Tennessee’s success. If they perform as expected, the Vols will be in great shape to dominate in Houston.