That’s how you respond after a big win to open a very big series.
Tennessee’s bats exploded to life on Saturday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, burying the Texas Longhorns 14-9 to clinch the series.
Landon Mack was scratched with arm soreness, and Evan Blanco stepped up a day in the order. He allowed five earned runs in seven innings with eight strikeouts on 111 pitches. So, a job well done from the Vols’ starter on the bump today.
Offensively, Tennessee was incredible, scoring in every single inning.
I don’t have the time or desire to go through all the games, but that might be the first time they’ve done that this season, and considering the opponent, that’s pretty insane. 5 of 9 Tennessee hitters had multiple hits, and the Vols slugged six home runs while posting 16 hits, which was a season high allowed by Texas.
The Horns took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, but Tennessee fought back and tied it in the second on a home run to left center by Manny Marin. After Trent Grindlinger doubled in a run for the lead in the third, Blake Grimmer turned some Texas misfortunate against them in the bottom of the fourth. After the Texas catcher fielded a swing and miss strike three ball in the dirt with two outs, his throw sailed high of first, and Grimmer got a chance. He pulverized a breaking ball deep out to right field, over the bullpen, and bouncing into the parking lot for a 6-3 lead.
Texas got two runs back in the fifth, but Tennessee got some space in the bottom of the inning. Reese Chapman laid down a bunt, and the throw again sailed at first and down the line in right, scoring two runs. Marin brought home another on a sac fly, and Tennessee led 9-5.
It would just get worse for Texas from there, as the Vols opened up a commanding 14-6 lead in the eighth inning. Cam Appenzeller had the yips in the ninth, but he got the final three outs in a two-inning appearance.
Tennessee goes for the sweep on Sunday at noon ET, with the game being broadcast on ESPN2.
