UT SPORTS

Will Drew Gilbert be available for Tennessee baseball game on Saturday after ejection?

Knoxville News Sentinel

Tennessee baseball clean-up hitter Drew Gilbert may not just be absent for the final half of the Vols' Super Regional game on Friday vs. Notre Dame.

Gilbert was ejected after displaying his displeasure for a strike call during an at-bat in the 5th inning. Assistant coach Frank Anderson was also ejected.

NCAA rules (Rule 2, Section 26-F) stipulate that Gilbert will be suspended for Saturday's Game 2 of the Super Regional. Anderson, who was ejected in a game in April, will be suspended for three games.

The full rule, as written in the NCAA rule book: "When an assistant coach, a player (other than a pitcher) or team personnel other than the head coach is ejected for disputing an umpire’s decision or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language directed at an opponent or umpire (including a post-participation ejection), he will receive a one-game suspension in addition to the present game ejection. There will be a three game suspension for subsequent ejections in the same season. The individual institution will see that all suspensions are served."

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INTERESTING:Here's how Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello knows it's time to argue with the umpire

THROWBACK:Tennessee baseball fans wearing 'Classless vs. Catholics' shirts at super regional

Gilbert disagreed with a low strike call in a 1-0 count with a runner on first base in the 5th inning, with Tennessee down 8-2. A slo-motion replay shows Gilbert using expletives to get his point across to home plate umpire Kellen Levy, who immediately ejected Gilbert. Alexander followed UT coach Tony Vitello out of the dugout and was ejected by another umpire.

Jared Dickey replaced Gilbert in the lineup and grounded out to end the at-bat.

Tennessee trailed Notre Dame after six innings on Friday in the first of a best-of-three Super Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The winner will advance to the College World Series in Omaha.