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Tony Vitello explains viral postgame celebration, punching of Liam Doyle: 'Twitter probably didn't like it'

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax06/03/25BarkleyTruax
Tennessee pitcher Liam Doyle. Credit: UT Athletics
Tennessee pitcher Liam Doyle. Credit: UT Athletics

Liam Doyle came into Monday night’s regional championship game and pieced together 2.1 innings of no-hit, five-strikeout baseball. He looked every bit of the 2025 SEC Pitcher of the Year as Tennessee defeated Wake Forest 11-5.

Doyle was animated throughout his time on the mound, and his head coach matched his energy immediately after the game. Vitello jumped into Doyle’s arms after the game and appeared to be punching him afterward, akin to a big brother celebrating his little brother’s achievement.

“I love him. I’m blessed to have him in my life,” Vitello said after the game. “Twitter probably didn’t like it, but the boys need to enjoy this.”

Doyle further cleared the air by saying that “there’s no other coach I would rather play for,” during his postgame comments. It’s clear the light-hearted moment was rooted in celebration and nothing else.

He has brought his exciting style to the mound since the moment he arrived on campus in Knoxville during the offseason. Doyle transferred into the Tennessee program after playing one season at Ole Miss. He began his career with Coastal Carolina, and his personality, as well as his stuff, have moved over with him each time

Doyle is currently projected as a top five pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. It goes without saying that he’s someone no batter wants to face at the plate. After all, he could very well be the second highest drafted player in program history. During the regular season alone, Doyle pitched to a 6-3 record with a 3.51 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 10 conference starts on his way to earning all SEC honors.

“Overall, he’s in a positive place and we don’t see any concerns,” Vitello said after Doyle won the league’s pitcher of the year award. “Just like all of our players, he needs to be true to himself. I think arguably his best outing was when he was on his toes going back to where he played last year (Ole Miss) and was focused on what he was trying to do because he kinda knew the unique circumstances there. I think that’s what all of our guys need to do… just be who they are.”

Doyle will now lead the Volunteers into the Super Regionals. Facing the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Tennessee bats will have their work cut out for them. Doyle will look to make the most out his day on the mound.