Tennessee baseball: Farragut junior Angus Pence commits to Vols

Aaron Torres
Knoxville

Growing up in Knoxville, Angus Pence always dreamed of wearing orange and playing for Tennessee baseball. 

On Wednesday, the Farragut second baseman committed to the Vols. Pence, who will be a junior, hit .297 with two home runs, 19 RBIs and 17 runs scored in 87 plate appearances for the Admirals last season, helping Farragut win its 10th state championship in school history. 

Pence, 16, has spoken to UT coach Tony Vitello, who's told him he sees him playing at shortstop for the Vols. 

"He likes my athleticism and my mental aspects as a baseball player," Pence said. "He likes my aggressiveness at the plate and wants to help me hone that." 

Pence declined to say what other offers he had. He's been a Tennessee fan his entire life and was glad when Vitello signed a contract extension in June, extending him to the 2024 season.

He played second base for Farragut last season, but Admirals coach Matt Buckner said Pence will play shortstop next season. 

"He's a top-end athlete who has unlimited potential on the field," Buckner said.

Pitcher Adam Birkholz committed to East Tennessee State recently. Birkholz, a senior, was a relief pitcher for the Admirals and struck out 45 over 30⅓ innings and posted a 1.30 ERA.