KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tensions were high on Rocky Top Saturday night.
No. 1 ranked Tennessee hosted 24th ranked Alabama in game two of a three-game series Saturday. Alabama won game one, 6-3.
During the first inning, head coach Tony Vitello and assistant coach/pitching coach Frank Anderson were ejected from the game.
Video shows Vitello arguing with an umpire after Frank Anderson was tossed out before bumping him in the chest. Vitello was then escorted off the field by two other umpires.
Josh Elander, Tennessee's hitting coach, stepped in as acting head coach.
“I think it just comes down from Tony, our head coach," said Josh Elander. "He is an emotional, passionate guy. He allows them to play with freedom and play hard and be themselves. I think that has been our magic recipe since we have been here.”
Junior outfielder Jordan Beck, who had two home runs against Alabama Saturday night, echoed Elander's statement.
"I love it," Beck said. "That's one of the most fiery guys I've ever met. He's one of the best coaches I've ever been with too. I'm glad I'm his player and I'm glad he's my coach."
The Vols hit three home runs in game two. Luc Lipcius also went yard during the bottom of the sixth inning.
Third baseman Trey Lipscomb collected his 100th total base of the season Saturday afternoon. The senior went 2-for-4 at the dish and entered the game with 99 total bases. Before the weekend started, Lipscomb had the 14th-most total bases in the country.
Chase Dollander continues to be Tennessee's Saturday night starter. However, he went out after the first inning when he took a line drive to the arm. He had two strikeouts.
Camden Sewell came in for Dollander going 4.1 innings pitched, totaling two strikeouts.
Redmond Walsh closed the game for Tennessee pitching two innings, giving up just one hit, and totaling four strikeouts.
The Vols and Alabama square off in the rubber match Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
