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Tennessee Baseball: Two takeaways from Vols’ 3-1 loss vs. Arizona

By Blake Wyman

Tennessee’s Blake Burke (25) runs to first base during the game between University of Memphis and Tennessee on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at The Ballpark at Jackson in Jackson, Tenn. The teams played an 18-inning game as the last official game of the fall season. Tennessee outscored Memphis 22-4.
Tennessee’s Blake Burke (25) runs to first base during the game between University of Memphis and Tennessee on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at The Ballpark at Jackson in Jackson, Tenn. The teams played an 18-inning game as the last official game of the fall season. Tennessee outscored Memphis 22-4. /
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Tennessee baseball opened up the season with a disappointing loss to the Arizona Wildcats. 

Arizona is now 2-0 against Tennessee this year, beating them in both basketball and baseball. There was plenty of hype surrounding Tennessee baseball during the off-season, and they failed to show up and execute last Friday.

There were many takeaways from the defeat on Friday, but two stuck out to me:

Chase Dollander

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 05: Chase Dollander #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers pitches in the first inning against the Baylor Bears during the Shriners Children’s College Classic at Minute Maid Park on March 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 05: Chase Dollander #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers pitches in the first inning against the Baylor Bears during the Shriners Children’s College Classic at Minute Maid Park on March 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Dollander got the nod for the opening game and played incredibly well despite the loss. Dollander had a bit of a rough start, by letting up 2 runs in the first inning, but followed that inning by retiring 10 straight batters.

Tennessee baseball almost tied the game up in the ninth inning, but ended up falling just short as the Arizona reliever, Trevor Long, forced a groundout and a strikeout to end the game and pick up the save.

There’s nothing to worry about

Tennessee’s Jorel Ortega celebrates a home run with Drew Gilbert during the NCAA Baseball Tournament Knoxville Regional between the Tennessee Volunteers and Campbell Fighting Camels held at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Saturday, June 4, 2022. RANK 2 Utvcampbell0604 1174
Tennessee’s Jorel Ortega celebrates a home run with Drew Gilbert during the NCAA Baseball Tournament Knoxville Regional between the Tennessee Volunteers and Campbell Fighting Camels held at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Saturday, June 4, 2022. RANK 2 Utvcampbell0604 1174 /

It’s a 60-game season, and similar to an early November loss in basketball, except it matters far less. The Vols are one of the best, if not the best teams in College baseball, and I am not worried at all.

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