Tennessee delivered 3 straight multi-run innings as the Lady Vols took advantage of an aggressive approach at the plate and swung at several first pitches to outslug Alabama.

In the opening game of the Women’s College World Series, the Lady Vols poured it on early and often, and prevailed 10-5 in Oklahoma City. They scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning, 2 in the 3rd and 4 more in the 4th.

A couple of key plays were 2-out, 2-run doubles from 9-hole hitter Katie Taylor and Zaida Puni to build an early 4-0 lead.

The Lady Vols delivered the most runs in program history in a WCWS game. Alabama didn’t go without a fight, though, as Kenleigh Cahalan doubled to deep left field to score 2 runs in the 5th inning. Marlie Giles then shook off an apparent hit-by-pitch to launch a home run down the left-field line.

Alabama used 3 pitchers as star Montana Fouts, who recently suffered a left-knee injury, was limited, but also shown on ESPN warming up early in the game. Alabama starter Jaala Torrence went 2 1/3 innings and allowed 6 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts.

Tennessee’s Rylie West busted the game wide open with a 3-run blast in the 4th inning well into the left-field bleachers.

Ashley Rogers led the Lady Vols with 4 innings in the circle, and allowed 2 earned runs, 1 walk and 1 strikeout against 18 batters. The Lady Vols had Zaida Puni, Jamison Brockenbrough and Taylor each deliver 2 RBIs along with West’s 3 runs batted in. Brockenbrough also hit a home run to center field.

Tennessee will play the winner of Oklahoma-Stanford on Saturday. Alabama will play an elimination game on Friday night.