Liam Doyle’s rising fastball dominates hitters in 2025, striking fear into opponents as he leads Tennessee Vols’ pitching staff.

In the world of college baseball, pitching is often considered the cornerstone of a successful team. The ability to shut down an opposing offense, limit runs, and put the game in the hands of your offense is invaluable. And in 2025, few pitchers have been as dominant as Liam Doyle, the ace of the Tennessee Volunteers’ pitching staff. With a repertoire of nasty pitches and a competitive edge, Doyle’s fastball — particularly his rising fastball — has become one of the most feared weapons in college baseball. His combination of velocity, movement, and control has made him a standout, not just in the SEC but on a national scale.

The Rise of Liam Doyle

Liam Doyle, a right-handed pitcher from Franklin, Tennessee, has been a key figure in the Tennessee Vols’ pitching rotation since his freshman year. Coming into the program, Doyle was highly regarded as one of the top prospects, but his progression into one of the elite pitchers in the nation has been nothing short of impressive. Throughout his first few seasons at Tennessee, Doyle showcased flashes of brilliance, with scouts and coaches alike taking note of his unique fastball and growing control of his other pitches.

By 2025, however, Doyle has fully come into his own. The most significant development in his game has been the rise of his fastball. While fastballs are a staple in any pitcher’s arsenal, Doyle’s ability to get the ball to rise on hitters has made his fastball a weapon that hitters simply cannot seem to handle. His fastball is not just fast; it’s almost impossible to track, reaching velocities upwards of 98 mph while climbing at a steep angle that makes it difficult for batters to make solid contact.

This phenomenon, known as a rising fastball, is a combination of speed, spin rate, and mechanics that generate additional lift on the ball. Doyle’s fastball creates an optical illusion for hitters: as it approaches, it seems to defy gravity, climbing higher as it gets closer to the strike zone. For batters, this makes timing the pitch nearly impossible. They swing, expecting the ball to drop, only to watch as it rises over their hands, often resulting in weak pop-ups or swings and misses.

The Mechanics Behind the Rising Fastball

To truly understand why Liam Doyle’s fastball is so effective, it’s essential to break down the mechanics that go into making this pitch so terrifying. First and foremost, Doyle’s fastball is propelled by his ability to generate an explosive amount of backspin. The backspin on the ball helps create lift, which is the key to making the ball rise or stay above the hitter’s bat.

Doyle’s mechanics are clean and repeatable, a vital element in his success. His high leg kick and smooth delivery create consistent release points, allowing his fastball to maintain velocity and spin. His ability to repeat his mechanics means that his rising fastball is no fluke — it’s a pitch that Doyle has worked tirelessly to perfect.

The speed of his fastball only adds to its effectiveness. By regularly throwing at velocities of 95-98 mph, Doyle forces hitters to make decisions quicker than they would against most pitchers. The added backspin on the fastball makes it even harder for batters to square the ball up, as the pitch moves in a way that their eyes aren’t prepared for. Batters often attempt to adjust by swinging earlier or later, but neither strategy works consistently against Doyle’s pitch.

Doyle’s Impact on Opponents

Opponents have struggled to make contact with Doyle’s rising fastball. As one of the most dominant pitchers in the country, Doyle’s presence on the mound has created a palpable sense of fear among opposing hitters. The Tennessee Vols have benefited from his incredible ability to shut down offenses, but it has come at the expense of their opponents, who have found themselves helpless in the batter’s box.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Doyle’s success is his ability to adjust his pitch placement based on the batter. Against left-handed batters, Doyle tends to elevate his fastball to the inside part of the plate, using the rising action to jam hitters and make it nearly impossible for them to catch up to the pitch. Against right-handed batters, Doyle might target the outside corner, where the rise of the fastball appears to climb out of the strike zone, forcing batters to chase pitches they otherwise wouldn’t.

It’s also worth noting that Doyle’s fastball doesn’t work in isolation. As he progresses through the game, his rising fastball sets up his other pitches, particularly his slider and changeup. The rising fastball, often regarded as a strikeout pitch, forces hitters to focus more on timing and swing mechanics. When Doyle mixes in a well-timed slider or changeup, hitters are already out of rhythm, unable to fully adjust to the varying speeds and trajectories.

In 2025, several notable hitters have found themselves caught off-guard by Doyle’s fastball. SEC batters, who are among the most talented in the country, have routinely struck out against Doyle, often unable to make contact with his fastball at all. Even seasoned hitters who have faced other pitchers with similar velocity are left frustrated by the rising action of Doyle’s fastball. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2025, Doyle has been consistently among the top pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings, with his fastball contributing significantly to his impressive totals.

Doyle’s Mental Approach to Pitching

A significant part of Doyle’s success isn’t just physical — it’s mental. On the mound, he displays an uncanny ability to stay calm under pressure and thrive in high-stakes situations. Whether facing a bases-loaded, two-out scenario or a simple 0-2 count, Doyle approaches each pitch with the same intensity and focus. His mental toughness allows him to remain unshaken, even when opposing teams throw everything they have at him.

Doyle’s confidence in his fastball is another key to his success. Knowing that his rising fastball is virtually unhittable gives him the ability to challenge hitters, forcing them to take their best shots while knowing they are unlikely to succeed. This confidence translates to other aspects of his pitching — from his off-speed pitches to his command of the strike zone. It also helps him remain dominant in late innings when most pitchers begin to tire. As his fastball continues to rise, so does his ability to perform in critical moments.

The Vols’ Success with Doyle Leading the Way

The 2025 season has been one of the best for the Tennessee Volunteers in recent years, and a large part of that success can be attributed to Doyle’s dominance on the mound. His fastball has not only been a game-changer for him but for the entire pitching staff. With Doyle at the top of the rotation, Tennessee has been able to hold down some of the most potent offenses in the SEC. His presence has allowed the Vols’ bullpen to thrive, as they are often given a lead to protect after Doyle’s dominant outings.

Doyle’s success is also indicative of the overall growth of the Tennessee baseball program. Under the leadership of head coach Tony Vitello, the Vols have emerged as a powerhouse in college baseball, and Doyle’s development as one of the nation’s top pitchers is a testament to that. As a team, Tennessee has been able to build around its pitching staff, with Doyle leading the way in terms of performance and leadership.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Liam Doyle

As the 2025 season continues, Liam Doyle’s stock continues to rise. MLB scouts have taken notice of his incredible rise-ball and electric fastball, and it’s no surprise that Doyle is considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming MLB draft. However, his focus remains on leading Tennessee to a national championship, a goal he has been working toward since his arrival in Knoxville.

Doyle’s rising fastball is more than just a pitch — it’s a symbol of his hard work, dedication, and evolution as a pitcher. Whether it’s striking out opposing batters or inducing weak contact, Doyle’s fastball has become a nightmare for hitters across the country. As 2025 progresses, expect to see more of Doyle’s incredible rise-ball on display, leaving batters guessing and watching helplessly as the ball rises past their swinging bats.

In the grand scheme of college baseball, Liam Doyle’s fastball is a defining characteristic of a player who has truly mastered his craft. The combination of physical talent and mental toughness makes him one of the most feared pitchers in college baseball, and his fastball — a pitch that seems to defy logic — will continue to terrorize hitters for the remainder of the season.