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Champs! Tennessee baseball wins first national title, topping Texas A&M in 2024 CWS final

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Tennessee baseball toppled Texas A&M to win the 2024 College World Series, marking the first national title in program history and first for a No. 1 seed since 1999.

OMAHA, Neb. − Hunter Ensley barreled around third base, his injured hamstring carrying him toward the plate and Tennessee baseball glory.

The Vols outfielder ripped past the tag from Texas A&M catcher Jackson Appel to tap the plate with his left hand and ripped his helmet from his head. He emphatically signaled safe, hurling the helmet toward the backstop, and the celebration commenced Monday.

Tennessee triumphed.

EXCLUSIVE BOOK: Celebrate Tennessee baseball’s epic CWS national championship with our special new book

The Vols (60-13) are the national champions for the first time in program history, winning 6-5 against Texas A&M (53-15) at Charles Schwab Field and reaching the highest mark of their remarkable rise under coach Tony Vitello.

Tennessee is the first No. 1 seed to win the national title since 1999 and is the first 60-win SEC team in history. it is UT’s first national title in a team sport since women’s indoor track and field in 2009.

Dylan Dreiling was the best player in the College World Series

Dylan Dreiling become the first player in CWS history to homer in all three games of the final series. He hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning of each game. He was named the MVP of the CWS.

The sophomore slugged the go-ahead two-run homer Sunday to keep Tennessee’s season alive then provided cushion with a two-run shot Monday for a 5-1 lead. Dreiling had 13 hits in the CWS with three homers and 11 RBIs.

Zander Sechrist capped his career well

Tennessee starter Zander Sechrist fired a fastball for strike three on Texas A&M’s Gavin Grahovac to strike out the side. Sechrist cut loose leaving the field, screaming and flailing his arms to the Tennessee crowd.

He struck out seven in 5⅓ and allowed on run on six hits with one walk.

The senior began his career as a midweek pitcher. He ended his career with starts that won Tennessee an SEC regular-season title, a regional title, a super regional title, a berth in the CWS final, and a national title.

Kirby Connell pitched out of trouble

Texas A&M cut Tennessee’s lead to 6-3 in the eighth before Vitello turned to reliever Kirby Connell. Connell got back-to-back strikeouts to escape a two-on, one-out threat.

More Tennessee baseball coverage

Commemorative Posters: Never forget the day the Vols won it all on the biggest stage! Own a piece of history with a commemorative Knoxville News Sentinel poster. Choose from a variety of sizes, materials and frames to find the perfect match for your wall. Starting at $15.25 plus shipping and handling. 

Purchase Here – https://qr.usatoday.com/N0Z8m6

Two Exclusive Stadium and Commemorative Editions:  Celebrate the Vols win with the limited quantity stadium edition and the 8-page commemorative edition capturing Tennessee’s College World Series championship.  These keepsakes have been printed on heavier paper than traditional newsprint.  Priced at $10 plus shipping and handling.

Purchase Here – https://onlinestore.usatoday.com/tennessee-national-champions-p21451.aspx

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it

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