Tony Vitello gets ejected for the first time, and it was probably for a losing argument
It took a little while for Tony Vitello to run afoul of the umpires in his young professional career. However, he finally got the boot in the Giants’ series finale with the Mets on Sunday.
It was a matter of time before San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello got tossed from a game. And based on his history as the Tennessee Vols’ skipper, it was likely longer than many expected in Game 10.
Vitello earned his first career ejection on Sunday afternoon in the Giants’ series finale against the New York Mets. In the bottom of the seventh, with San Francisco clinging to a 2-1 lead, Jerar Encarnacion hit a dribbler in the infield and took off up the line to first base. The throw was bobbled, and he was initially called safe.
However, the call was changed and was ruled out for running inside the baseline.
Vitello came out and argued the call, but to no avail. And he earned an early trip to the showers as a result.
Tony Vitello ejected for the first time in his professional career in Giants’ 5-2 loss to the Mets
Vitello is not one to be shy, nor push his luck with the umpires on a close call. We saw him get hot plenty during his time in Knoxville, which drew the ire of many fans and media around the country. In fact, this was a somewhat tame reaction on Sunday compared to some of his other prior interactions.
But the umpires might actually have a valid point here. Encarnacion is supposed to stay between the baseline and the white line running parallel to the baseline, which is the “runner’s lane”. If the batter does not remain within the lane and interferes with a throw to first base — in the umpire’s opinion — he’s out.
Here, it clearly appears as though Encarnacion both runs outside of the runner’s lane and interferes with the throw to first base. So, Vitello’s argument was likely off base here.
As for the game, San Francisco fell apart the following half inning, allowing four runs in the top of the eighth on the way to a 5-2 loss. The Giants dropped to 3-7 on the season.
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