Junior Humberto Maldonado homered in his first at-bat for the 2021 season, but nationally-ranked Tennessee rallied down to defeat the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team 21-1, in Tuesday's season opener at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.  

Maldonado's solo home run to left field came in the top of the second inning and tied the game at 1-1, as the Vols struck first in the bottom of the 1^st inning. 

The Vols took advantage of the Golden Lion's limited practice time due to inclement weather in Arkansas, along with a talented Tennessee ball club, and raced out to a double-digit lead to clinch game one of a two-game series. 

Maldonado opened his 2021 campaign going 1-for-3, with one run and one RBI to lead the Golden Lions at the plate. 

Junior Joel Barker (0-1) went 3.0 innings in the opening loss and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. 

UAPB and Tennessee return to action in a 4:30 p.m. ET. Wednesday contest on WatchESPN.