Tony Vitello explains why Blake Burke was ejected from Tennessee baseball’s game vs Illinois

Blake Burke was ejected following a fifth-inning home run in Tennessee baseball’s 8-3 win against Illinois at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on Sunday.

It is unclear what Burke did to warrant an ejection following his home run, which pulled the Vols within 3-2 against Illinois.

Tennessee coach Tony Vitello told reporters after the game both teams were warned after “both catchers were talking to each other during (Illinois’ Camden) Janik’s at-bat.”

“Blake hit the home run, and as he crossed home plate, I don’t know what he said, but he was clearly talking to the catcher about the home run or telling him about it,” added Vitello. “Which he’s a smart enough guy. He can see where the ball landed. There’s no need to do that.”

 The first baseman will miss UT’s home game Tuesday against Eastern Kentucky.

The No. 8 Vols (16-1) swept Illinois (5-9) for the third straight weekend series sweep and 14th straight win.

“We’ll come out of today being the bad guys, and maybe something gets posted or you hear ‘Blake Burke got thrown out. He’s a bad guy.’ But I used to coach pitchers. I don’t remember back then anybody throwing a baseball, 90 mile-an-hour objects at guys when they’re not looking at it. But it started about six years ago. Our guys are guilty of doing it. I’m not calling our their guy. He’s doing what he’s got to do,” said Vitello. 

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Dalton Bargo replaced Burke at first base following the ejection, which was UT’s first for a player since Christian Moore was ejected against Vanderbilt on April 22 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Burke’s homer was his sixth of the season as he has been on a tear of late. The junior was hitting .367 entering Sunday.

Gentry Estes of The Tennessean contributed to this story.