Tennessee’s baseball team is headed to the Super Regionals after a commanding 11-5 victory over Wake Forest in the Knoxville Regional’s decisive game. The Volunteers erupted for seven runs in the fourth inning, showcasing both power and precision, with standout performances from key players. Freshman Christian Marin and senior Trey Fischer each launched home runs, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive explosion. Marin had an exceptional game, going 3-for-3 with two runs and three RBIs.
The pitching staff also played a vital role, with multiple pitchers collaborating to secure the win. Junior right-hander Chase Dollander started the game, striking out three batters, followed by a strong performance from freshman reliever Aidan Kealey, who also struck out three while allowing just one hit in his 2.2 innings. Doyle, a junior ace, closed the game with a stellar relief performance, striking out five batters in a row and setting a new single-season strikeout record for the university with 158 strikeouts, surpassing the previous record held by Luke Hochevar from 2005.
The Vols improved their NCAA regional record under head coach Tony Vitello to 17-3, winning five consecutive regionals. Four Tennessee players made it onto the Knoxville All-Regional team, with Doyle earning the title of Most Outstanding Player for his impressive nine-inning performance that included just one earned run and 16 strikeouts.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will face No. 3 seed Arkansas in the Super Regionals. The outcome of their previous encounters during the regular season, where Arkansas won two out of three games in their last matchup, adds an intriguing layer to this upcoming series. Fans eagerly await the schedule for these games, expected to be announced soon via NCAA channels.
This victory is not just a step forward in their postseason journey but also a testament to Tennessee’s resilience and talent as they aim for continued success in the NCAA tournament.