KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Baseball clinched the series win over Missouri on Friday night in a 3-2 win backed by several impressive defensive plays.
One of the most impressive moments of the game unfolded in the top of the sixth inning. With one runner on base and two outs, Missouri infielder Matt Garcia hit a high line drive that was rocketing towards the outfield. However, the ball was plucked out of the air by Curley, who soared high to make the catch to end the inning.
Curley has snatched several crazy catches in his rookie season, but the infielder had an almost identical catch against Kentucky in Tennessee's victory to sweep the series on April 21.
Curley's impressive leap and grab reminded Tony Vitello of two extremely talented and athletic basketball players, one of whom was named the 2023-2024 SEC Player of the Year.
"Dean turned into Michael Jordan or maybe Dalton Knecht there for a minute," said Vitello.
