The Tennessee Volunteers clinched a crucial win in the opening game of their series against the Kentucky Wildcats with an 8-2 victory on Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Liam Doyle earned the win for Tennessee, delivering another solid performance in a series opener. He allowed 2 earned runs over 7 innings while striking out 9 batters. Nate Harris took the loss for Kentucky, giving up 5 earned runs in 5 innings.
Kentucky got on the board first, scoring 2 runs in the top of the first inning thanks to a 2-run home run by Devin Burkes. That would be the Wildcats’ only offense of the night.
Tennessee responded immediately in the bottom of the first. Reese Chapman hit a 2-run single up the middle, giving the Vols a lead they would never relinquish.
While Doyle’s dominant pitching was key, the standout performance of the night came from catcher Cannon Peebles. Peebles launched two home runs—one from each side of the plate. Leading 4-2 in the 6th inning, he hit a towering 3-run homer to left center, just clearing the outfielder’s glove. He added another home run in the 8th, this time to right center.
Additionally, Ariel Artigua made one of the defensive plays of the year in the seventh inning.
The series continues on Saturday evening at 6 p.m., with Marcus Phillips on the mound for the Vols.
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