Super Bulldog Weekend got off to a super start.

Pinch-runner Luis Pollorena slid around the tag of Tennessee catcher Ethan Bennett in the bottom of the 11th inning, and Mississippi State scratched out a 2-1 victory in the series opener Thursday night in Starkville.

Pollorena, a relief pitcher, was running for Trey Porter, who led off the 11th with a double. Tennessee (22-16, 7-9 Southeastern Conference) was unable to get an out on a ground ball by Wes Rea, and an intentional walk to C.T. Bradford loaded the bases. Mitch Slauter then lofted a fly ball to shallow center for the first out of the inning.

Pollorena tagged at third and slid in safely as Bennett caught the ball and whirled around late with the tag attempt.

The run gave Mississippi State (22-16, 6-10) a crucial win in SEC play.

“I was looking to get something elevated,” Slauter said. “When I knew the ball was caught, I knew we had a chance because Luis can run some. This was really a great win for us.”