Winning easily can often lead to bad habits and eventually cause a team to become lackadaisical.

But after a kick in pants from reality, the Georgia baseball team brought the heavy metal to Knoxville, Tenn., as they scored early and often to defeat Tennessee 12-6 in the first game of a three game series.

First baseman Rich Poythress lead the charge offensively as he hit two-run home runs in the first and third innings as he went 4-for-4 with 4 RBIs on the game. Bryce Massanari and Joey Lewis also hit home runs for Georgia (20-3, 5-2 SEC).

The Dogs pounded Tennessee (11-13, 1-6 SEC) starter Nick Hernandez into submission as he gave up 8 runs (7 earned) in just 3 2/3 innings.

Of the 15 hits the Dogs had on the night, 11 were extra base hits.

But that wasn’t the oddest stat of the night, as Diamond Dog batters struck out a season-high 15 times.

Senior Trevor Holder went 7 innings, giving up five runs to improve to 5-1 on the year. He allowed 8 hits and struck out 6, while walking none.

Alex McRee will get the start for Georgia on Saturday.