The Volunteers edged Oklahoma 9‑7 in the series opener, a contest that swung back and forth before settling on a late rally.
Oklahoma struck first, scoring two runs in the opening frame, and Tennessee’s starter Tegan Kuhns quickly found himself in a hole, surrendering five runs over five innings.
Tennessee answered with a four‑run third inning that turned the tide, giving the Volunteers a slim edge heading into the middle innings.
The momentum shifted again in the fifth when Reese Chapman and Levi Clark launched back‑to‑back homers, and the lineup added two more long balls from Blake Grimmer and Henry Ford to push the lead.
Among the supporting cast, Cameron Johnson, Blaine Brown, Manny Marin, Kyle Branch, Cam Appenzeller, Josh Elander and others contributed to the effort.
Closer Bo Rhudy then sealed the victory, striking out two batters in a tense ninth inning to preserve the 9‑7 score.
What’s Next for the Volunteers?
The two clubs will meet again on Friday night in Oklahoma City, promising another high‑stakes showdown.