“Rocky Top’s New King of Ks: Liam Doyle Sets Tennessee Strikeout Record in Regional Final Victory Over Wake Forest!”
KNOXVILLE, TN — Under the bright postseason lights of Lindsey Nelson Stadium, where legends are made and dreams come alive, Liam Doyle etched his name permanently into Tennessee Volunteers baseball history. With a dominant five-strikeout performance in Monday’s regional final, Doyle officially became the Vols’ single-season strikeout leader, surpassing the previous record and fueling Tennessee’s 7–2 win over Wake Forest.
In front of a roaring home crowd, Doyle displayed the poise and power that has defined his season. His signature fastball and devastating breaking pitches left batters guessing—and fans on their feet—as he notched his historic punchout in the fifth inning, sparking a thunderous ovation from the Orange and White faithful.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Doyle said after the game, grinning ear to ear. “This program has meant everything to me, and to do this while helping the team win—it’s just special. But we’re not done yet.”
A Season of Dominance
Doyle’s record-breaking strikeout marked the culmination of a season where he’s been virtually untouchable. The junior left-hander has combined velocity, command, and swagger, becoming the heartbeat of Tennessee’s pitching rotation.
Entering the regional final, Doyle was already climbing the ranks of Tennessee lore, but Monday’s milestone cemented his place at the top. He now leads the program in single-season strikeouts, passing Vols greats who once stood atop that same mound.
“He’s the guy we want with the ball when it matters,” said Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello. “What Liam’s done this year is nothing short of elite. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone for the whole team.”
Wake Forest Silenced
Facing a talented and scrappy Wake Forest squad, the Vols knew they needed sharp pitching and timely hitting—and Doyle delivered. While he tallied only five strikeouts, each was surgical, halting potential rallies and commanding the tempo. Tennessee’s offense backed him up with clutch hits and smart baserunning, pushing the Vols to a decisive win and a spot in the Super Regionals.
The win also served as a bit of redemption, as Wake Forest had been a postseason thorn in the side of SEC teams in recent years. But with Doyle leading the charge, Tennessee proved they’re not just talented—they’re tough, focused, and ready for a deeper run.
Eyes on Omaha
With his record now secure, Liam Doyle remains focused on what matters most—a trip to Omaha and a shot at the College World Series title. As Tennessee advances, so too does the legend of their strikeout king.
Vol fans everywhere took to social media to celebrate the feat, flooding timelines with praise and the ever-passionate #GBO🍊 hashtag. One fan tweeted, “Doyle’s dominance is SEC history in the making. Let’s ride all the way to Omaha!”
Final Line for Doyle vs. Wake Forest:
IP: 6.1
H: 4
R: 2
BB: 1
SO: 5
Record-Breaking K: 153rd of the season (new Tennessee single-season record)
As the Vols continue their march toward Omaha, one thing is clear—Tennessee baseball has a new ace, and his name is Liam Doyle.
Rocky Top, meet your strikeout king. 👑🔥⚾ #GBO
