The Tennessee Volunteers are one win away from their first College World Series title in program history after defeating the LSU Tigers 6-4 on Friday night in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Vols (54-16) scored four runs in the first inning and never trailed in the game, holding off a late rally by the Tigers (40-26) in the ninth. Tennessee starter Chad Dallas pitched six strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out eight. He improved to 12-1 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.86.
Tennessee’s offense was led by catcher Connor Pavolony, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Pavolony hit a two-run shot in the first inning off LSU starter Landon Marceaux, who lasted only three innings and gave up five runs on seven hits. Pavolony also drove in a run with a single in the third and another with a double in the seventh.
LSU’s star player, Paul Skenes, was held in check by Dallas and the Vols’ bullpen. Skenes, who is projected to be a high pick in the upcoming MLB draft, went 1-for-5 with a single and struck out three times. He also made an error at third base that led to an unearned run for Tennessee in the first inning.
The Tigers made things interesting in the ninth, scoring two runs on four hits and bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs. But Tennessee closer Sean Hunley got Gavin Dugas to fly out to right field to end the game and secure his 14th save of the year.
Tennessee will face either Arizona or Vanderbilt in the best-of-three championship series starting on Monday. The Vols are looking for their first national title in any sport since the women’s basketball team won it all in 2008.
