3 players who could help Tony Vitello keep his championship hopes alive ft. Billy Amick

Tony Vitello's Tennessee Volunteers are the team to beat in the College World Series. The Volunteers ended the regular season as the only team with 50 wins, and they breezed through the field on their way to their third CWS appearance in the past four years.

However, the College World Series is known to serve up surprises, and Tony Vitello's side likely won't take anything for granted. Let's look at three players who could be crucial to keeping Vitello's championship hopes alive.

Three players who could help Tony Vitello keep his championship hopes alive

1. Billy Amick, Third baseman

Billy Amick was sensational in 2024, and the MLB hopeful racked up seven total RBIs and scored four runs during the Knoxville Regional. Amick scored three home runs in the SEC Tournament championship game against the LSU Tigers.

Tony Vitello will rely on Amick's big-game ability at the biggest stage in Omaha in 2024. Thankfully, the versatile prospect is one for the pressure. Billy Amick's career honors include 2024 Perfect Game Midseason All-American 1st Team honors, 2024 NCBWA Preseason All-American 2nd Team honors, 2024 D1Baseball.com Preseason All-American 2nd Team honors, 2023 College Baseball Foundation All-American 1st Team honors, 2023 All-ACC 1st Team honors, and so much more.

2. Christian Moore, Second baseman

There's a reason Christian Moore wears the number one jersey for the Tennessee Volunteers. Moore is a key member of Tony Vitello's squad and has been thoroughly impressive in the postseason.

Moore showed out in game two of the Knoxville Regional with a two-home run performance against Indiana. The MLB prospect is currently the home run record holder in the illustrious history of the Volunteers with 56 homers. Tony Vitello's side would be better off with a talent of Moore's ilk in the 2024 College World Series.

3. Drew Beam, Pitcher

Drew Beam is the Volunteers' star pitcher and is responsible for putting significant pressure on opposing batters. Beam made the NCBWA All-American 3rd Team, ABCA All-Region 1st Team (SP), NCBWA Preseason All-American 1st Team, and Preseason All-SEC First Team in 2024.

Beam was at his best in the Volunteers' victory over South Carolina as he racked up four strikeouts while allowing a solitary earned run over six innings to earn his eighth victory. His arm would be crucial if Tennessee were to make a run for the 2024 College World Series.

Tennessee Volunteers College World Series schedule

The No. 1 seed Tennessee Volunteers are against No. 8 seed Florida State in the College World Series on Friday. Vitello's side will fancy their chances against their opponents.

Here's what you need to know about the Omaha matchup:

• Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
• Livestream: ESPN+ and FuboTV
• Time: 7 p.m.
• TV: ESPN
• Venue: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha