Tennessee Coach Tony Vitello alluded to Arkansas pitcher Kevin Kopps as the Golden Spikes Award winner during his postgame remarks following a 7-2 loss to the Razorbacks in the SEC Tournament Championship Game on Sunday.
“I mean, if there’s ever a situation for your team to quit, it’s with the Golden Spikes Award winner on the mound and a pretty sizable lead,” Vitello said. “We got guys trying to back pick on their own, quality at bats against a guy who’s been tough on everybody all year long.”
Arkansas infielder Cullen Smith also advocated for Kopps to win the award, which is presented by USA Baseball to the nation’s best amateur player.