Following Tennessee baseball’s thrilling 6-5 win over Mississippi State Friday night in Hoover at the SEC Tournament, head coach Tony Vitello and RHP Nate Snead shared a moment while celebrating the win in the middle of the team circle.
Vitello and Snead were repeatedly pushing each other back-and-forth while yelling at each other in jubilation.
Watch the two passionately celebrate the win below.
How can you not love these guys? pic.twitter.com/CJZIbZaCSM
— Kerry Williams (@kerrywilliams_) May 25, 2024
It’s no secret that Vitello is a passionate person and coaches his teams to be the same way. Especially in this decade, Tennessee baseball teams have had a lot of fire and energy to them. While this year’s team may not be as fiery as some in year’s past, moments like the one Vitello and Snead shared Friday night in the Hoover Met show that this team still fits the same theme.
While Vitello and the players are always going to be extra-juiced after a narrow, thrilling win, Friday night had a little bit more spice to it. In the fifth inning, Mississippi State’s bench cleared as their players and Tennessee’s players had a kerfuffle that lasted a couple of minutes.
The umpires did a good job easing tension, but there was no question Tennessee played with some extra fire after the altercation.
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Although Snead wasn’t involved in the brouhaha, he had his own reason to give a little extra Friday night. The sophomore flamethrower started Wednesday’s game against Vanderbilt in which he allowed five earned runs, the most he’d given up in a single game this season.
Snead righted the ship with his overpowering performance against Mississippi State, consistently pumping triple digits while retiring the only two batters he faced to pick up the save.
The save marked Snead’s fifth of the season as the Wichita State transfer continues to excel in big moments for Tennessee and be a significant reason why the Vols are able to win games.
