**Late Home Runs Ignite #1 Tennessee’s Victory Over South Carolina**
**COLUMBIA, S.C.** – In a thrilling showdown at a packed Founders Park, **No. 1 Tennessee** snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two **crucial late-inning home runs**, triumphing over the South Carolina Gamecocks 7-5 on Saturday afternoon.
### **Early Tension: Scoreless Standoff**
The game began with palpable tension, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm over the first three innings. With the scoreboard remaining 0-0, it was Tennessee’s **Reese Chapman** who broke the silence in the fourth. The junior outfielder launched a **three-run homer**, marking his eighth long ball of the season and catapulting him to the top of the team leaderboard with **32 RBIs**.
### **Rally and Response: South Carolina Takes the Lead**
However, the Gamecocks were not to be outdone. Responding with grit, **South Carolina** rattled off four consecutive runs, seizing a **4-3 lead** into the final three innings.
### **Heroics in the Eighth: Fischer Sparks the Vols**
Just when it seemed South Carolina might pull away, **Andrew Fischer** delivered a dramatic two-out, two-run blast to center field in the eighth inning. This timely homer not only put the Volunteers back on top but also showcased Fischer’s critical role in the game. His defensive prowess was equally impressive, later executing a 3-6-3 double play that silenced the Gamecocks’ momentum.
### **Peebles Secures the Win: A Heart-Stopping Ninth**
With the score tied at five and the pressure mounting in the ninth inning, it was **Cannon Peebles** who stepped into the spotlight. He sent a towering shot over the right center fence, marking his **fourth homer of the season** and sending the Vols ahead 7-5.
Tennessee’s resilience shone through defensively, as they turned yet another pivotal double play in the bottom of the ninth, allowing **Nate Snead** to close out the game. Snead’s impressive performance included 3.2 innings of relief, earning him his **second win of the season** and solidifying a splendid outing by **Marcus Phillips**, who struck out seven batters over five innings.
### **Win Streaks Extend: A Record-Breaking Day**
This victory pushed Tennessee's series wins against South Carolina to **six consecutive victories** and extended their record-breaking streak of SEC series victories to **12 straight**. The six in a row against the Gamecocks is also a new milestone in the program's history, illuminating the remarkable growth and determination within the Tennessee baseball program.
### **Clutch Performances Late in the Game**
With four runs scored in the final two frames, the Vols demonstrated their ability to deliver when it mattered most, notching their **first win of the season** after trailing at the end of seven innings. This tenacity exemplifies the grit and determination that has become synonymous with Tennessee baseball.
### **Looking Ahead: Series Finale Showdown**
Tennessee aims for a **series sweep** in Sunday’s finale, which has been rescheduled for a noon ET start due to impending weather. This game will be available via streaming on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app, as it will not be televised on the SEC Network. Can the Volunteers maintain their momentum and solidify their dominance over South Carolina? Fan excitement is palpable as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating finish.
