ROUND ROCK, Texas – Connor Pavolony’s bases-clearing double and the power arm of Jackson Leath led Tennessee to an 8-4 win over Houston at the Round Rock Classic on Saturday afternoon.

After jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, the Vols had to rally late after giving up four unanswered runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the seventh, Pavolony was called upon as a pinch hitter and delivered the biggest hit of the game, a three-run double off the wall in left center field to give the Big Orange a 6-4 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Zach Daniels, Jordan Beck and Alerick Soularie all drove in runs for Tennessee in the top of the first to spot the Vols a three-run lead right off the bat.

Leath was able to silence the Cougars’ bats after coming on in relief of starter Chase Wallace, who gave up three runs on three hits in 4.1 innings of work, while setting a new career high with seven strikeouts.

Leath allowed just two hits and one unearned run while striking out eight batters in 4.2 innings of relief to earn his second win of the year. The Waxahachie, Texas native struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth to erase any hopes of a Houston comeback.

A two-run homer by Steven Rivas in the fourth inning got the Cougars on the board and cut the deficit to two. Ryan Hernandez doubled to drive in a run in the fifth to tie the game and Lael Lockhart Jr., scored on a throwing error in the sixth to give Houston their first lead of the afternoon.

The Vols would not be denied, however, as Beck drew a walk before Soularie and Liam Spence both singled to load the bases and set the stage for Pavolony’s bases-clearing double in the seventh. UT added two more insurance runs in the ninth on a single by Jake Rucker, who led the Vols with three hits on the day.

Tennessee will take on No. 25 Stanford on Sunday at noon ET to conclude play at the Round Rock Classic.

Notable
Starting Fast
Tennessee has made a habit of getting off to quick starts this season. The Vols have scored in either the first or second inning in all six games this year. They have scored multiple runs in the first inning in each of their past three games.

Make It a Double
UT had its streak of five consecutive games with a home run halted on Saturday, but they did hit a season-high five doubles.

Mowing them Down
After striking out 12 batters in his Tennessee debut last Sunday, Leath was incredible again against Houston. The junior right hander struck out eight batters in 4.2 innings of relief. He leads the team with 20 punchouts this season in just nine innings pitched.

-UT Athletics