KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Manny Marin launched a grand slam in a seven-run seventh inning, powering Tennessee to an 11-1 rout of UNC Asheville in nonconference baseball action Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The Volunteers, winners of five straight, broke open a tight game with the explosive seventh, capitalizing on a critical UNC Asheville error to turn a 4-1 lead into a commanding 9-1 advantage. Marin, the Tennessee shortstop, was the catalyst, driving in six runs on the night.

For six innings, Bulldogs starter Garrett Crum largely kept the powerful Tennessee lineup in check. The Volunteers managed just two runs off Crum through six frames, both coming in the third inning on an RBI double from Garrett Wright and a run-scoring single from R.J. Chapman.

Crum’s line, however, was marred by the decisive seventh. He was charged with five runs, all earned, on six hits over 6 1/3 innings, taking the loss. He left with runners on first and second and one out, giving way to reliever Nic Melton.

The game unraveled for UNC Asheville immediately after the pitching change. Blake Grimmer greeted Melton with an RBI single to make it 5-1. After a walk loaded the bases, a throwing error by Bulldogs shortstop Luke Lowe on a potential inning-ending double play ball kept the frame alive and set the stage for Marin.

With the bases still loaded, Marin turned on a 1-0 offering and sent it over the left-field wall for a grand slam, his second home run of the season. All four runs were unearned due to the preceding error, transforming a manageable deficit into an 9-1 chasm.

Marin had earlier given Tennessee breathing room in the sixth inning with a two-run double, part of his 2-for-4, six-RBI performance. He has now driven in eight runs over his last two games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Tennessee’s bullpen was dominant, combining for 7 2/3 scoreless innings after starter Taylor Tracey worked two perfect frames. Will Haas, Ethan Baiotto, Brady Frederick, Brayden Krenzel and Blaine Brown limited the Bulldogs to just five hits and one walk while striking out four.

The Volunteers scratched across two more runs in the eighth on an RBI fielder’s choice by pinch-hitter Finn Bates and a run-scoring single by Dean Grindlinger to reach the final margin.

UNC Asheville’s lone run was unearned, scoring in the seventh when Ben Green came home on a groundout by Justin Pereira after reaching on an error. The Bulldogs managed just five hits total and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

With the victory, Tennessee improves to 25-12 overall. The Volunteers now turn their attention to a pivotal Southeastern Conference series against Mississippi, which begins Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

UNC Asheville falls to 16-21. The Bulldogs continue their road swing with a three-game series at Wofford starting Friday.