KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Once again, Tennessee erased a 4-2 deficit, but this time Auburn got it done in crunch time.
Bobby Pierce cranked a three-run home run with two outs in the top of the ninth to send the Tigers to the eventual 8-6 defeat.
Auburn's eight runs were the most the Vols have allowed so far in SEC play and sent them to just their second SEC loss this season at 18-2.
UT's pitchers struggled in the defeat. Starter Blade Tidwell managed just 2.2 innings of action and gave the Tigers their first run of the night on a wild pitch. He also tied a career-high with four batters walked.
UT and Auburn will play a rubber match on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Vols will try and earn their first series win against Auburn since 2011.
