3 biggest moments from Tennessee's comeback win over Texas A&M in College World Series Game 2
With their backs to the wall, the Tennessee Vols delivered a 4-1 win over Texas A&M to force a decisive Game 3 of the College World Series. The Vols trailed for most of the game but delivered a late rally and then held on for the victory.
As has been the case for Tennessee all season, there were plenty of heroes. But here were the three biggest moments from the win.
3 biggest moments from Tennessee's comeback win over Texas A&M
3. An inning-killing pickoff
Texas A&M took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and held it through the game's seventh frame. The Vols shook off a couple of Aggie opportunities to open up the lead, with the fifth inning being the most notable.
After a single and a walk placed runners at first and second with no outs, Tony Vitello removed starter Drew Beam, turning to reliever Aaron Combs. It was a risky decision that Combs more than justified. He settled in by whiffing the first two hitters he faced. But UT wasn't out of the woods.
SEC Freshman of the Year Gavin Grahovac was at the plate. Grahovac had the count in his favor at 2-1. But Tennessee catcher Cal Stark made an alert play by picking the A&M runner off first base and ending the threat. Some social media critics argued that Texas A&M may have fallen asleep on the play, but UT certainly didn't.
2. An insurance-providing blast
Even though Tennessee grabbed a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, it was still a narrow margin for the Vols. This was proved when A&M put two runners on base in both the eighth and ninth innings. But Tennessee got a big blast of insurance.
Up 2-1 in the top of the eighth, Cal Stark delivered the second biggest play of the game. The Vols had a runner on base with two out, but Stark launched a homer to left field to provide the final 4-1 margin. Again, with multiple Aggies on base in each of the last two innings, Stark's bomb was pivotal. It also broke an 0-for-16 slump in postseason play.
1. Dreiling's dinger
But the biggest play of the game came with A&M just seven outs away from clinching the title. The Aggies led 1-0 still and with two outs and Christian Moore on second, Dylan Dreiling hit a homer that changed the lead and the momentum of the Series.
Dreiling's 22nd homer of the year was a massive shot, both in actual distance and in importance. A Tennessee team clinging to life suddenly got its mojo back. If the Vols do go on and win Game 3 to grab the championship, Dreiling's homer will be remembered forever in Vols history.
What were the biggest moments of UT's crucial win? Weigh in below with your thoughts in our comments section!