Florida took an early 2-0 lead over LSU in Game 3 of the College World Series final, but it could have potentially been even more.
After initially appearing to beat a short groundball to first, shortstop Josh Rivera was ultimately called out for baserunner interference. Many were confused by the call, and Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan ultimately challenged the decision.
Though first baseman Tre Morgan made a mistake in running toward the ball initially and Rivera likely beat the throw anyway, he was ruled to have interfered with it after exiting the runner’s lane and entering into fair territory.
By the letter of the law, Rivera is out and the call was confirmed.
Florida’s Josh Rivera is called out for a runner’s violation.
Rivera runs directly through the bag and does not make contact with the ball or fielder’s glove.
But because he ran in fair territory, he is called out.
Baseball is full of fun rules! pic.twitter.com/JViixgdpb7
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) June 26, 2023
Obviously, Florida fans weren’t happy with the decision, especially in such a crucial game. But regardless of whether the rule should be changed, it seems the umpires followed it in this instance.
Rivera is already past Morgan’s glove with his foot on the base and the ball not even there yet, how on earth would that be interference????? pic.twitter.com/a7bIbiLOrG
— Lucas Dolengowski (@LDolengowski) June 26, 2023
B1: Josh Rivera called out at first on interference. Not only did he beat the throw, there was nowhere he could have gone. Horrendous call. #Gators
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) June 26, 2023
But here’s a thought: Maybe if everyone agrees a rule is silly, perhaps it should be changed.
Just something to consider.