University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Loyola Marymount
Seventh-Inning Rally, Pitching Lift Vols Over LMU, 8-4
February 23, 2017 | Baseball
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Tied with Loyola Marymount entering the seventh inning, a three-run rally and 14 combined strikeouts by UT's pitching staff helped lift the Volunteers to an 8-4 final on Wednesday night at George C. Page Stadium.
Following a win in its first-ever matchup against the Lions, Tennessee is now 1-0 all-time vs. LMU and improved to 3-1 to start the 2017 season.
For the fourth straight game, Tennessee scored first to take an early lead over its opponent, bringing one run across in the first. The Vols went on to load the bases in the second and with the help of a two-RBI single from Jordan Rodgers, UT put up a three spot to extend its lead to 4-0.
Defensive miscues by the Vols helped LMU narrow the deficit to one run in the third. Tennessee then settled in to limit the Lions until the fourth, when designated hitter Trevin Esquerra hit a solo home run to center field to tie the game at 4-4.
In the seventh, first baseman Andre Lipcius began the frame with a four-pitch walk and advanced to second on a stolen base. With one out, USC graduate transfer Reggie Southall punched a single through the left side to score Lipcius. Two batters later, redshirt senior Jeff Moberg drilled a double to left-center to bring Southall and right fielder Dom Thornton around, making it a three-run Tennessee lead at 7-4.
The Volunteers added one run in the top of the ninth, when Brodie Leftridge reached third via fielder's choice and a two-base throwing error by LMU's pitcher. With two outs, freshman Justin Ammons then dropped an RBI-single into shallow center field for the 8-4 final.
In his first career start, Sevierville native Zach Linginfelter went 4.0 innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits while establishing a career-high seven strikeouts against the Lions.
Freshman Connor Darling made his collegiate debut in relief of Linginfelter in the fifth, tossing 1.0 scoreless innings before California product Daniel Vasquez (1.0 IP) was called upon in the sixth.
With bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the seventh, freshman Garrett Stallings fired an impressive, three straight strikeouts to get out of the jam. Stallings went on to record four strikeouts over 2.0 innings before Jon Lipinski came in to secure Tennessee's win.
Tennessee Quick Hits
- Following a win in its first-ever matchup against the Lions, Tennessee is now 1-0 all-time vs. LMU and improved to 3-1 to start the 2017 season.
- Zach Linginfelter made his first career start for UT and fanned a new career-best seven batters over 4.0 innings of work.
- Right-hander Connor Darling made his first career appearance for the Orange and White, entering in relief of Linginfelter in the fifth. The freshman tossed 1.0 scoreless inning, allowing two hits.
- Senior Jordan Rodgers drove in three runs vs. Loyola Marymount, marking his second multi-RBI game of the season.
- With his two RBI vs. the Lions, Jeff Moberg has now driven in at least one run in each of Tennessee's four games to start 2017.
- With his win in relief over LMU, El Cajon, Calif. native Daniel Vasquez picked up the second win of his UT career and his first since March 2, 2016 vs. Cincinnati on Rocky Top.
- Through UT's first four games, 14 total newcomers have made their Tennessee debuts in 2017 (including 11 freshmen).
- Coaching first and third for Loyola Marymount were assistant coaches Bobby Andrews and Ronnie Perryman - both former players for Dave Serrano's 2004 National Championship team at Cal State Fullerton.
- On Deck for the Vols: Tennessee travels to San Diego, Calif., to participate in the 2017 Tony Gwynn Classic, hosted by University of San Diego and San Diego State University. The tournament is slated for Friday, Feb. 24 - Sunday, Feb. 26, and UT is set to take on Seton Hall and San Diego State in its first two contests.
- Wednesday's attendance at George C. Page Stadium: 262
