Come this weekend, the Tennessee baseball team is ready to take the next step in trying to defend its national championship. In the super regionals, the Vols are all set to take on Arkansas, with Game 1 coming on Saturday.
On Friday, though, four other games will be taking place. This means that Tennessee will be getting one extra day to prepare, which also means one extra day of rest for ace pitcher Liam Doyle if he gets the start. This would no question be a huge benefit for the hard-throwing lefty, who took the bump on short rest Monday night in the win-or-go-home contest vs. Wake Forest:
Tennessee baseball will take on Arkansas in Game 1 on Saturday
Last week against Miami (Ohio), Doyle was brilliant with the ball in his hand. Then on Monday night, on three days rest, he selflessly took the hill and pitched 2.1 perfect innings. That's right, Doyle didn't allow a single hit and he struck out five of the seven batters he faced.
Not a bad day at the office. He'll now look to put on a show against the Razorbacks to set the tone for the series, assuming Tony Vitello giveshim the ball for Game 1. Doyle could be held for Game 2, however, which is coming on Sunday. Then Game 3, if necessary, will be taking place on Monday. This is a fun SEC series that fans can't wait for.
Prior to this series, the Vols took on Wake Forest in the Knoxville Regional, posting a clutch win on Monday in the deciding contest. Doyle was superb, while Andrew Fischer and Manny Marin provided the fanbase with so much joy thanks to their awesome dingers.
The Razorbacks are entering this series with a ton of confidence too, but the Vols are hoping that they'll be able to make a statement. Doyle continues to prove he's one of the best pitchers in the college game right now. He'll look to be at his best this weekend, with the good news being that he'll be getting the start with an extra day of rest to his benefit regardless of its Saturday or Sunday.