Tony Vitello ejected from game vs. Alabama, makes contact with umpire during heated argument

Tennessee baseball is trying to bounce back from its first SEC loss of the season. Unfortunately, the Volunteers will have to go much of Saturday’s game against Alabama without head coach Tony Vitello and pitching coach Frank Anderson.

Vitello and Anderson were tossed from the game in the first inning. Tennessee’s starter Chase Dollander was hit by a comebacker and was able to get out of the inning cleanly but was in noticeable pain and fell after getting the final out.

Anderson was tossed for yelling at the Alabama bench and needing to be held back by the umpiring crew. Vitello was not far behind but engaged in a heated conversation with third base umpire Jeffrey Macias.

Vitello also charged at and bumped into Macias during the exchange. Contact with an umpire in that manner usually draws a suspension, and it will be interesting to see what the SEC office has to say about it.

Tony Vitello bumps the 3rd base umpire after being ejected in the top of the first inning. Certainly looks like a suspension will be coming. Frank Anderson also ejected. pic.twitter.com/7QiOrTmb4f

— Zack Rickens (@ZackRickensTV) April 16, 2022

Tennessee did take the lead in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to a 2-run home run from Jordan Beck.

BECK BOMB TO DEAD CENTER!

2-0 BIG ORANGE! THE BOYS ARE FIRED UP!

📺 https://t.co/8ULKyb61T4#GBO // #OTH // #BeatBama pic.twitter.com/ebw37guV7C

— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) April 16, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.