Tennessee had to come from behind to notch a victory in Game 1 of its first home super regional contest.
No. 3 national seed Tennessee fell behind early, but used a three-run sixth inning to outlast Southeastern Conference rival LSU, 4-2, Saturday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium before a crowd of 4,400 spirited fans.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning when Cade Doughty homered over the right-field fence before play was delayed 50 minutes due to lightning in the area.
Soon after the contest resumed, Tennessee (49-16) pulled even in the third.
Jordan Beck doubled to lead off the frame, picking up Tennessee’s first hit.
He advanced to third when Pete Derkay grounded out. Beck came home with the tying run on and RBI groundout by Connor Pavolony.
The Tigers (38-24) regained an upper hand when Drew Bianco, who had three hits and two stolen bases in the game, stole third and scored on a throwing error.
Tennessee, which has beaten LSU four times in 2021, scored three runs in the sixth. Drew Gilbert and Luc Lipcius both drove in runs when they reached on fielder choices before Beck capped the frame with an RBI single. His single plated Gilbert with what would be the final run of the night.
LSU would threaten in the ninth, but reliever Sean Hunley retired the side after the Tigers had the potential tying runs in scoring position.
Hunley pitched three innings to notch his ninth save of the season. He surrendered three hits and stuck out four.
The Vols received another stellar start from Chad Dallas (11-1).
Dallas threw six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) and five hits. He hit one batter and had a career-high 12 strikeouts.
In two starts against the Tigers this year, Dallas has recorded 23 strikeouts.
The Vols will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon.
First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. EDT.