The highly anticipated opening game of Tennessee baseball's annual Orange & White World Series was cut short due to inclement weather on Wednesday. The game, played at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, was called in the second inning as heavy rain poured down, leaving the White team leading 1-0 over the Orange squad.

Capturing the Excitement of Tennessee Baseball's Intrasquad Showdown

Doyle Dominates on the Mound for White Team

Despite the early end to the game, there were still some standout performances worth highlighting. Ole Miss transfer Liam Doyle, pitching for the White team, continued to impress with a dominant outing. Doyle struck out five batters in just two innings of work, including fanning the side in the second frame. His command was on full display, as he threw 23 of his 27 pitches for strikes.Doyle's performance was a testament to the depth and talent of Tennessee's pitching staff, which has been a key focus for the team during the offseason. The Volunteers will be looking to Doyle and the rest of their pitchers to lead the way as they aim to build on their successful 2022 campaign.

Clark Provides Early Offensive Spark for White Team

On the offensive side, it was freshman Levi Clark who provided the lone run of the game, smashing a solo home run to right-center field off Orange pitcher Nate Snead in the first inning. Clark, a highly touted recruit who was ranked the No. 36 player in the 2024 class by Perfect Game, has been making a strong impression during the fall practice sessions.The home run was not the first time Clark has showcased his power this offseason, as he also hit a homer in Tennessee's exhibition game against Troy on October 27th. His ability to contribute at the plate will be crucial for the Volunteers as they look to replace the production of several key offensive contributors from last season.

Snead Impresses Despite Clark's Blast

While Clark's home run gave the White team the early lead, Snead, the Orange team's starting pitcher, was otherwise impressive in his outing. Outside of the solo shot, Snead struck out four batters, including fanning the side in the first inning. His performance demonstrated the depth of Tennessee's pitching staff and the fierce competition for spots in the starting rotation.As the Volunteers prepare for the 2023 season, these intrasquad scrimmages provide valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate the team's talent and make informed decisions about the lineup and pitching rotation. The early-season rainout may have dampened the excitement, but it has only heightened the anticipation for the next installment of the Orange & White World Series.