Three quick takeaways from Duke’s monumental series win over No. 1 Wake Forest

Three takeaways for Duke’s monumental series win over No. 1 Wake Forest.

While it was a tough weekend in Durham for the men’s basketball team as they lost to the North Carolina Tar Heels for the second time this season, another Duke team was making history elsewhere in North Carolina.

Chris Pollard’s team traveled to Winston-Salem for their first ACC matchup. They took on the nation’s No. 1 team, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Not only did Duke compete, they won the series two games to one.

The Duke Blue Devils baseball team clinched a series win over a top-ranked team for the first time in 15 years, last occurring when Duke took down a No. 1-ranked North Carolina team.

Friday, Duke won behind an eight-run offensive explosion that saw the Blue Devils touch up one of college baseball’s best pitchers, Josh Hartle. The Blue Devils took that game 8-5.

On Saturday, Tennessee transfer Chase Burns dominated the Blue Devils, striking out 14 Duke batters in 6 innings. Wake went on to even the series after a 6-3 Saturday victory.

Duke clinched the series in the tie-breaking Sunday game behind a six-run fifth inning, which featured two hits and five walks as the Blue Devils extended their lead to 9-2. Wake would fight back, but a late insurance run in the ninth followed by a save from Charlier Beilenson sealed the 10-8 victory.

With the series over, we have three quick takeaways as Duke has become the talk of the college baseball world with the most significant series win of the young season.

This Duke team is dynamic offensively

One of the most significant developments of the season so far is that Duke’s offense is verifiably legit. The pitching was more proven with the caliber of arms the Blue Devils brought back. Still, with Duke losing as many position players as it did, many felt there would be questions about run production and replacing an entire infield.

They’ve gotten contributions from every direction, including freshman AJ Gracia batting over .340 with an OPS of 1.214. Their new-look infield, with four new players spearheaded by Penn transfer Ben Miller, is batting above .290 while combining for 19 homers and 54 RBI. They lit up Hartle, a top-100 pick in this upcoming MLB draft, and on Sunday, they showcased their plate discipline (14 walks) and worked counts as Wake unraveled on the mound.

We’ve seen the Blue Devils put up 20+ runs multiple times this season. It’s safe to say the new look lineup is just fine, and they can do it against elite competition.

Kyle Johnson is starting to carve out a role

The uber-talented two-way freshman Kyle Johnson is finding himself a lane as a bulk innings guy who may just get stretched out to start in some capacity. In the most significant start of his young career, he tossed four innings of two-run ball on Sunday against a potent Wake Forest lineup on the road. He allowed three hits, but he did more than his job as he was competitive and kept Duke in the ball game, ultimately giving his offense time to break the game open in the fifth inning.

He also tossed 65 pitches. If this becomes a thing, the first-year Blue Devil could be stretched out to 80 pitches by mid-April, giving Pollard another pitching weapon to add to his deep arsenal.

Charlie Beilenson is indispensable

Where would Duke be without Charlie Beilenson this season?

Who knows, but his contributions have been immeasurable. When a fire needs to be put out, or he needs to close a ball game, no one is doing it better than Beilenson. He proved that this weekend against the nation’s best as he had not one but two saves to close both Duke wins. He showcased his versatility, too, as he pitched three scoreless innings for the save on Friday. He followed that up with one inning of work on Sunday to preserve a two-run lead and nail down his seventh save of the season.

Duke returns to the friendly confines of Jack Coombs Field this week as they open a six-game homestand with two midweek contests with Rider. The first pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Former Tennessee baseball pitcher announces transfer destination

Former Tennessee baseball pitcher announces transfer destination.

Former Tennessee pitcher Chase Burns announced his transfer destination on Wednesday.

Burns committed to Wake Forest.

He entered the NCAA transfer portal in June.

Burns played at Tennessee from 2022-23.

As a freshman in 2022, Burns (8-2) appeared in 17 games, including 14 starts. He recorded 103 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA in 80.1 innings pitched. Burns earned 2022 NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors.

Tennessee (57-9) won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2022. The Vols were a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

As a sophomore in 2023, Burns (5-3) appeared in 18 games, including eight starts. He recorded 114 strikeouts, two saves and a 4.25 ERA in 72.0 innings pitched during the 2023 campaign. Tennessee advanced to the 2023 College World Series.

PHOTOS: Chase Burns through the years

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Twitter reaction to Chase Burns entering NCAA transfer portal

A look at Twitter reaction to Chase Burns entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee sophomore pitcher Chase Burns has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee sixth-year head coach Tony Vitello confirmed Burns’ transfer on WNML’s “SportsTalk” radio show on Tuesday.

Burns arrived at Tennessee ahead of the 2022 season.

As a freshman in 2022, Burns (8-2) appeared in 17 games, including 14 starts. He recorded 103 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA in 80.1 innings pitched. Burns earned 2022 NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors.

Tennessee (57-9) won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2022. The Vols were a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

As a sophomore in 2023, Burns (5-3) appeared in 18 games, including eight starts. He recorded 114 strikeouts, two saves and a 4.25 ERA in 72.0 innings pitched during the 2023 campaign. Tennessee advanced to the 2023 College World Series.

PHOTOS: Chase Burns through the years

Below is social media reaction to Burns entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Chase Burns enters NCAA transfer portal

Tennessee baseball pitcher Chase Burns enters the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee sophomore pitcher Chase Burns has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Burns arrived at Tennessee ahead of the 2022 season.

As a freshman in 2022, Burns (8-2) appeared in 17 games, including 14 starts at Tennessee. He recorded 103 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA in 80.1 innings pitched. Burns earned 2022 NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors.

Tennessee (57-9) won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2022. The Vols were a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

As a sophomore in 2023, Burns (5-3) appeared in 18 games, including eight starts. He recorded 114 strikeouts, two saves and a 4.25 ERA in 72 innings pitched during the 2023 campaign. Tennessee advanced to the 2023 College World Series.

Burns came to Tennessee from Beech High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

PHOTOS: Chase Burns through the years

PHOTOS: Chase Burns through the years

PHOTOS: Chase Burns through the years

Pitcher Chase Burns arrived at Tennessee ahead of the 2022 season.

Tennessee (57-9) won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2022. The Vols were a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

As a freshman in 2022, Burns (8-2) appeared in 17 games, including 14 starts at Tennessee. He recorded 103 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA in 80.1 innings pitched. Burns earned 2022 NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors.

As a sophomore in 2023, Burns (5-3) appeared in 18 games, including eight starts. He recorded 114 strikeouts, two saves and a 4.25 ERA in 72.0 innings pitched during the 2023 campaign. Tennessee advanced to the 2023 College World Series.

Burns came to Tennessee from Beech High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Below are photos of Burns through the years.

Chase Burns earns SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week honors

Tennessee’s Chase Burns earns SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week honors.

Tennessee sophomore pitcher Chase Burns earned Southeastern Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week honors, the league announced Monday.

Burns pitched in two relief appearances versus Vanderbilt in Week 10. He recorded eight strikeouts, allowing one hit and zero runs against the Commodores. He earned the win in game No. 1.

Tennessee completed a three-game series sweep versus Vanderbilt.

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Tennessee’s series sweep against Vanderbilt is the Vols’ 12th in SEC play under head coach Tony Vitello (2018-23). Prior to 2018, Tennessee recorded 12 SEC series sweeps in the previous 15 seasons (2003-17).

The Vols extended its win streak against Vanderbilt to seven games, marking Tennessee’s longest win streak in the series since winning eight consecutive from 1993-94.

USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll: Vols up four spots after Vanderbilt series sweep

Tennessee records 12th SEC series sweep under Tony Vitello

Tennessee baseball records 12th SEC series sweep under Tony Vitello.

No. 20 Tennessee (26-14, 8-10 SEC) defeated No. 4 Vanderbilt (29-11, 13-5 SEC), 10-5, Sunday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

With the victory, the Vols completed a series sweep versus Vanderbilt.

Tennessee’s series sweep versus Vanderbilt is the Vols’ 12th in SEC play under head coach Tony Vitello (2018-23). Prior to 2018, Tennessee recorded 12 SEC series sweeps in the previous 15 seasons (2003-17).

Redshirt sophomore center fielder Hunter Ensley went 3-for-5 with two home runs for Tennessee Sunday.

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Drew Beam (5-2) started and earned the win for Tennessee, pitching 6.2 innings. He allowed six hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks, while recording three strikeouts.

Chase Burns pitched the ninth inning for the Vols, totaling nine pitches (eight strikes) and one strikeout against three batters.

Tennessee extended its win streak against Vanderbilt to seven games, marking the Vols’ longest win streak in the series since winning eight consecutive from 1993-94.

PHOTOS: Tennessee baseball wins series versus Vanderbilt

PHOTOS: Chase Dollander, Chase Burns, Drew Beam versus Gonzaga

PHOTOS: Tennessee starting pitchers Chase Dollander, Chase Burns and Drew Beam combine for 22 strikeouts versus Gonzaga

No. 2 Tennessee (11-2) defeated Gonzaga (1-10), 17-9, Sunday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Tennessee completed a three-game sweep against the Bulldogs. The Vols have won 11 consecutive games.

The Vols clinched a series win Saturday with a 7-2 victory.

Tennessee defeated the Bulldogs, 8-2, Friday in the series opener.

Tennessee starting pitchers Chase Dollander (11) on Friday, Chase Burns (8) on Saturday and Drew Beam (3) on Sunday combined for 22 strikeouts in the Vols’ series sweep versus Gonzaga.

Vols’ sixth-year head coach Tony Vitello recaps Tennessee’s series sweep versus Gonzaga

Below are photos of the Vols’ starting pitchers Dollander, Burns and Beam during the Tennessee-Gonzaga series at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Chase Burns discusses 12-strikeout performance versus Dayton

Tennessee pitcher Chase Burns discusses 12-strikeout performance versus Dayton.

No. 2 Tennessee (5-2) defeated Dayton (0-5), 4-1, Saturday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

The victory clinches Tennessee’s series win versus the Flyers.

Tennessee defeated the Flyers, 12-2, in the series-opener on Friday. The Vols have won five consecutive games following an 0-2 start to the 2023 season.

The series finale between Tennessee and Dayton is slated for Sunday at 1 p.m. EST (SEC Network+).

Pitcher Chase Burns started for Tennessee on Saturday and earned a victory in 6.1 innings. He recorded 12 strikeouts, while surrendering two hits, one earned run and three walks against 22 batters.

Following Tennessee’s series win versus Dayton, Burns discussed his pitching performance. Burns’ media availability can be watched below.

Four Vols named to Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list

Four Vols named to the Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list.

USA Baseball released a 2023 Golden Spikes Award preseason watch list.

Chase Dollander, Chase Burns, Drew Beam and Maui Ahuna were recognized on the 55-man preseason watch list. The four selections sets a new program-record for Tennessee.

The Golden Spikes Award is presented annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. The Vols and LSU tied for the most selections with four each.

Dollander, Burns and Beam combined for 43 starts last season, posting a 26-3 record and 273 strikeouts.

Dollander was the 2022 SEC Pitcher of the Year and earned preseason first-team All-America honors. Beam was named the SEC Freshman of the Year last season.

Ahuna transferred to Tennessee after playing two seasons at Kansas. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection last season and earned preseason second-team All-America honors from NCBWA.

The Vols open its 2023 season Feb. 17 against Arizona at 8 p.m. EST on MLB Network.

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