Chase Burns wasn't even alive the last time Tennessee won a game in Omaha.
The Vols pitcher played a huge role in ending that drought Monday. He came in from the bullpen in the fourth inning of Monday's Men's College World Series elimination game against Stanford in relief of starter Chase Dollander. He went on to throw six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts as the Vols survived and advanced with a 6-4 victory.
MORE: Scouting Vols ace Chase Dollander
It was Tennessee's first MCWS win since 2001, and Burns' effort was the best relief pitching performance in the event since 1969, according to NCAA Baseball.
Another 1-2-3 inning and Burns has retired 15-of-17 batters faced!#GBO // #OTH // #BeatStanford https://t.co/FCMuPEu07o
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 19, 2023
Tennessee will play another elimination game Tuesday night against the loser of Monday night's Wake Forest vs. LSU Bracket 2 game.
MORE: Daily TV schedule, bracket, results for 2023 NCAA baseball tournament
So, who is this Tennessee superhero? Here's what you need to know about the man they call "Mr. Electric" in Knoxville:
⚡️⚡️ Mr. Electric himself ⚡️⚡️#GBO // #OTH // #MCWS pic.twitter.com/4iH5vP3oRJ
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) June 19, 2023
Who is Chase Burns?
Burns is a sophomore pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, majoring in recreation and sports management. He was born in Naples, Italy, to David and Trinetti Burns. His father played football at Division II North Greenville. Chase grew up in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and has an older sister, Breanna.
In high school, he was a top-100 prospect and the top-ranked player in the state of Tennessee. During his senior year, he posted a 0.50 ERA and struck out 131 in 56 1/3 innings. His fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph, and it touched 102 mph against Stanford.
Chase Burns on Stanford playing in the PAC-12: “Their lineup is very good... but I'm not sure they have a pitcher in their conference quite like me.”
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) June 19, 2023
TALK YOUR TALK 🗣️😳 pic.twitter.com/v15KEAJJJI
Chase Burns Tennessee stats
Burns, also known as "Mr. Electric," made his debut for the Vols on Feb. 18, 2022, against Georgia Southern. He threw five innings, allowed two hits and a walk and recorded five strikeouts.
He earned multiple awards as a freshman, including NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year and Collegiate Baseball Co-Freshman National Player of the Year. He was a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes and Dick Howser awards and was named a freshman All-American by the likes of the NCBWA and Collegiate Baseball.
This season, he was named first-team All-American and All-SEC. He was on the Golden Spikes midseason watch list as well.
| Season | W-L | ERA | IP | BB | SO |
| 2022 | 8-2 | 2.91 | 80.1 | 25 | 103 |
| 2023 | 5-3 | 4.25 | 72.0 | 22 | 114 |
When will Chase Burns be eligible for the MLB Draft?
The 20-year-old Burns has one more season to go until he is eligible for the MLB Draft. According to the eligibility rules, because Burns is attending a four-year college and will turn 21 on Jan. 16, he will be eligible for the MLB Draft beginning in 2024.
He was selected in the 20th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of high school by the Padres but did not sign. Expect him to be ready to sign the next time the opportunity comes around.