Tag: Orange County Riptide

Vols’ Nathan Smith by the numbers through six games with Orange County

Tennessee catcher Nathan Smith by the numbers through six games with Orange County.

Tennessee freshman catcher Nathan Smith is playing in the California Collegiate League with the Orange County Riptide.

Through six games with the Riptide, Smith is 1-for-11, recording four walks, three stolen bases and one RBI.

Orange County will next play Thursday at Sonoma (10:05 p.m. EDT).

The 6-foot, 200-pound Smith did not appear in any contests for the Vols in 2022. He came to Tennessee from Buford High School in Buford, Georgia.

Tennessee (57-9, 25-5 SEC) concluded its 2022 season on June 12.

The Vols advanced to the NCAA Tournament Super Regional and were ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll for 10 consecutive weeks (March 28-May 30).

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Vols’ Chase Valentine records first hit with Riptide

Vols’ Chase Valentine records first hit with the Orange County Riptide.

Tennessee commit Chase Valentine is playing in the California Collegiate League with the Orange County Riptide.

Valentine recorded his first hit of the 2022 season Sunday against the Academy Barons. He went 1-for-3 in Sunday’s contest with the Riptide.

Valentine committed to Tennessee on Oct. 21, 2021.

The 6-foot, 200-pound infielder played for Central Arizona College, winning the 2022 National Junior College Athletic Association national championship.

Valentine appeared in 72 games for Central Arizona in 2022. He recorded a .269 batting average and totaled four home runs, 68 hits, 23 doubles, six triples, 57 RBIs, 49 runs, 32 walks and 10 stolen bases.

The Tennessee commit played at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, Arizona.

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