Fans cheer after Tennessee’s dramatic victory in the Men’s College World Series final

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Fans continued to show their support for Tennessee baseball this weekend in the best-of-three finals of the Men’s College World Series. The Volunteers took the win in Game 2 and forced a do-or-die game on Monday.

At the Big Orange Watch Party, fans waited anxiously to see if Tennessee would make it to game three.

“I think everyone just felt like we needed to go to one more game so the Vols could hopefully get it done,” UT fan Tyler Kress said. “Last night was scary and worrisome and that’s why I’m so happy for them and they just have the right energy, I just feel it, the Vols are due.”

After winning the second game, fans are confident that the team will make it to the end.

“It will happen, I feel it. If not this year, then very soon,” said Partick Obernesser.

For a fan, watching UT baseball games is about more than just the game itself.

“Not only did I get closer to my friends by coming to this watch party and having a good time with them, but it also gave me a new love for a sport that I never really liked as a kid,” said UT student Sean Keenan.

He said the Vols had been rocky to watch so far, and nearing the end of the second game he wasn’t sure if they would get another one.

“Hopefully this isn’t the last inning I see Christian Moore and the others at bat. I just hope – for the sake of the team – that we can force the third game,” Keenan said.

But whether the team wins or loses, UT fans will be proud of their team.

“At the end of the day, I couldn’t do that,” Obernesser said. “I think it’s really, really easy to sit on the couch all day and yell at balls and strikes, but these guys go out there and put their heart and soul into it, and if they go out there with the mindset of ‘I’m going to do my best,’ I’m not going to sit there and take anything away from them. I mean, that’s something Tony told them, and I think that’s a big part of the culture that’s been instilled in the program, so it’s definitely something to be proud of as a fan as well.”

“They’ve already made history. It’s a great time to be a Tennessee Vol,” Kress said.

Tennessee has a chance to win its first national title in program history in its final game on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.