Tennessee Remains Perfect with Win in RR Classic Day Two

The University of Tennessee Volunteers withstood a middle-inning rally to defeat the University of Houston Cougars by a score of 8-to-4 in the second game of the Round Rock Classic.  The win extended the Vols perfect season with a 6-and-0 record. 

Tennessee took a 3-0 lead on an RBIs by Zach Daniels (single), Jordan Beck (double) and Alerick Soularie (ground out) in the top of the first inning. 

A home run by Houston’s Steven Rivas in the fourth inning narrowed the margin to 1 run.  The Cougars closed the gap in the next inning on an RBI double by R. Hernandez.  Houston claimed a 3-4 lead in the sixth inning after a series of errors allowed Lael Lockhart to score from second base. 

Tennessee reclaimed the lead in seventh inning on three-run pinch-hit double by Connor Pavolony, making the score 6-4.  The Vols iced the game in the top of the ninth inning on a two-run single by Jake Rucker. 

Jake Rucker led the Vols with 3 hits on 6 at-bats, driving 1 run.  Pinch hitter Connor Pavolony delivered a clutch hit to drive in 3 runs. 

Starting Tennessee pitcher Chase Wallace went 4.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits, striking out 7 and walking 2 batters.  Wallace appeared to suffer control problems, hitting 3 batters and tossing 1 wild pitch. 

Wallace was relieved by Jackson Leath (2-0) who earned the win.  Leath gave up 1 run on 2 hits, striking out 8 and walking 1 batter in 4.2 innings. 

Houston starting pitcher Clay Aguilar went 5.1 innings before handing the ball to Tristen Bayless.  Aguilar allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits, striking out 5 and walking 2.  Bayless (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing 3 runs on 3 hits in 1.1 inning.