KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling continuation of the Knoxville Regional, Wake Forest achieved their third consecutive elimination win, defeating No. 14 national seed Tennessee in a high-stakes game on Sunday night. Jack Winnay played a pivotal role by drawing a bases-loaded walk, leading Wake Forest to a narrow 7-6 triumph.
This victory propels Wake Forest (39-21) into a decisive game against Tennessee, who are on a remarkable streak, seeking their fifth straight super regional appearance. However, the Volunteers (45-17) faced a rare setback, as their impressive 14-game win streak in regionals came to a halt.
The dramatic conclusion unfolded with Wake Forest’s Haiden Leffew’s (4-1) stellar performance on the mound, as he struck out all three batters in the top of the ninth inning. This tenacious effort set the stage for Wake Forest to potentially clinch the game in the bottom half. Matt Scannell initiated their comeback with a lead-off walk and eventually scored the winning run when Winnay received a four-pitch walk courtesy of Tennessee’s Nate Snead.
Marek Houston was instrumental in bolstering Wake Forest’s offense, launching a home run in the first inning and adding a crucial single in the ninth. The team also benefited from Javar Williams’ two-run homer in the fourth, marking the 14th home run for the Demon Deacons during the regional and extending their lead to 6-2.
Tennessee fought back fiercely, with Andrew Fischer and Levi Clark each contributing a two-run home run to level the score at 6-6. However, their efforts were marred by reliever Brandon Arvidson’s struggles; he conceded five earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, despite an impressive tally of 12 strikeouts. Nate Snead (4-2), called in to hold the ninth inning, found himself in trouble after Kade Lewis reached first safely on a bunt attempt, subsequently loading the bases and setting the stage for Winnay’s decisive walk.
Earlier in the day’s opening game, Houston once again showcased his power from the plate by homering, hinting at his key role in Wake Forest’s day of victories.