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Tony Vitello ejected in fifth inning of series-finale with Auburn

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•05/04/25•

_Cainer

Tony Vitello. Credit: Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tony Vitello. Credit: Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For the fifth time as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Tony Vitello has been ejected from a ballgame.

This came following a 3-2 check-swing of Eric Guevara at the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning during Sunday’s game three against Auburn. It was the second-straight bases-loaded walk of the inning and extended Auburn’s lead at the time to 6-0 in the series-finale.   

It’s the first ejection for Vitello in over two years as his most recent ejection came on the road at Missouri on March 19, 2023. It was the fifth of his Tennessee career as he’s also been sent packing early in games against Kentucky (2018), Vanderbilt (2021) and Alabama (2022).

The moment was likely one of built-up frustration due to a number of things. The Vols were trialing 6-0 at the time of his departure for starters and emotions ran fairly high in game two (earlier in the day) following a play at the plate with Liam Doyle and Bristol Carter. Vitello, and everyone involved, was likely over the weather as well for the weekend that has caused four delays in the series and the shuffling of the schedule throughout.

Tensions ran high all weekend for Tennessee-Auburn

Things got heated for Tennessee and Auburn in the top of the 11th inning when Liam Doyle tagged out Bristol Carter at home plate on an attempt steal of the plate. This was the continuation of Game 2 of the series after it was suspended on Saturday.  

The third out ended the inning as Doyle tagged out the runner, who was in a pickle between home and third base. Words exchanged and players began to come onto the field – but credit umpires, staffs and players for not letting it get completely out of hand.  

Emotions were at an all-time high with head coaches Tony Vitello and Butch Thompson livid.

Looking to keep the momentum strong, Andrew Fiacher and Hunter Ensley both singled to begin the home half of the frame. Dalton Bargo moved them both over on a sacrifice bunt to third (5-3) and then freshman Levi Clark was intentionally walked to load the bases with just one out.

Vitello, with the left-handed hitting Reese Chapman due up, played matchup and called on freshman Chris Newstrom to pinch hit. With the infield playing in, the rookie shot a groundball up the middle and that won it for the Volunteers, 5-4, as Fischer scored from third base.

Tennessee hosts Vanderbilt next weekend at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

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