Tony Vitello calls Tennessee being run ruled in SEC Tournament 'karma' after previously calling rule stupid

Just 14 days ago, Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello made it loud and clear that he was not a fan of college baseball’s 10-run rule. His case: it prevents comebacks and gets rid of the idea that no run is safe. Well, this statement came back to haunt him on Saturday as his Volunteers were run-ruled 10-0 in seven innings by in-state rival Vanderbilt.

“We got run-ruled today probably as karma that I’m always complaining about it,” Vitello jokingly said postgame. “To me, if we’re down like that we should have to wear it for two more innings and also maybe be able to get some guys ready for next weekend. Our kids we put in late did an excellent job and they won’t forget those memories if they don’t get to do it again.”

Tennessee was held scoreless by Vanderbilt for just the fourth time since 2018 and was run-ruled by the ‘Dores for the first time since May 5, 1992. The ‘Vols went just 4-25 (.160) at the plate with 11 strikeouts (all looking). It was also just 2-10 with runners on base and was 0-6 with runners in scoring position. It was the first time Vitello’s team had been run-ruled this season.

RJ continues to rake in Hoover. pic.twitter.com/MhbRS4atH3

— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) May 24, 2025

“The 10-run rule is stupid,” said Vitello

“That’s another reason why the 10 run rule is stupid,” Vitello snuck in following Tennessee‘s win over Vanderbilt back on May 9. “As a matter of fact, I think there was an example of that this year. But anyhow, you could see the calm with two strikes, whereas [Manny Martin] was much more eager on the pitch before. And [Martin’s] done that before. I don’t know that that comes from maturity, it just comes from competitiveness.”

Vanderbilt jumped all over the ‘Vols on Saturday, holding a 7-0 lead through just three innings. The ‘Dores tallied three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, extending their lead to 10. Vanderbilt‘s pitchers Cody Bowker and Connor Fennell then kept Tennessee scoreless, ending the game after just seven frames.

As of May 24, both On3 and D1Baseball still have Tennessee as a national seed. The ‘Vols were able to down Alabama (No. 15 in RPI) and Texas (No. 4 in RPI) in its first two SEC Tournament games, adding two more Q1 wins to its resume. Heading into Monday’s selection show, the Volunteers are 14-11 against Q1 teams, 7-5 against Q2 teams, 3-0 against Q3 teams and 4-0 against Q4 teams.