In a thrilling game at the Lubbock Regional, the Texas Tech Red Raiders made NCAA softball history with a dramatic comeback victory against the Ole Miss Rebels, earning a spot in the Regional final set for Sunday. Down 0-8 in the bottom of the seventh inning and just one out from an apparent defeat, the Red Raiders scored eight runs to tie the game, then won 10-9 in the eighth on a walk-off line drive.
Historically, teams were 0-640 this century when trailing by 8 or more runs in NCAA softball tournament games. Still, the Raiders broke that streak with their remarkable win over the Rebels on Saturday.
Fans rapidly shared their reactions to this impressive feat by the Red Raiders. Some criticized the umpires for a controversial call just before Texas Tech’s grand slam, while others criticized the Rebels’ coach for not making diligent calls as they were one out from winning.
“Umpire refused to ring up a strike three before that grand slam. Corrupt. The Rebels were robbed. Fix these umpires!!” one fan commented.
“The Rebels’ coach should be fired for not making a switch sooner. They only needed one out,” another fan commented.
“Dumbest coaching job ever! 8-0 lead and pitcher over 100+ pitches and during the inning never decided to pull her until too late. Go back to junior high softball,” yet another fan commented.
Some other fans marveled at the incredible feat the Red Raiders accomplished with two outs and two strikes, down 0-8 in the final inning, completing an unprecedented heist in collegiate sports history.
“The Raiders showed you the heart of a champion. They were down 8-0 In most of that game, they came back to win it. There is a reason why they played in Oklahoma City last year in the Women’s College World Series Championship Game vs Texas. They have been ranked in the top 10 all season,” one fan commented.
“Just amazing to see. Did they know they were close to the. Record during the game. Most of them looked surprised when the team was told,” another fan commented.
“One out left down eight and they’re not getting out of the car, that’s a different sport entirely,” yet another fan commented.
Texas Tech to Face Ole Miss in Lubbock Regional Final
The Rebels stayed in contention for redemption after their surprising Saturday loss to the Red Raiders, beating Boston U 9-4 in the elimination game later that day, which allowed them to reach the regional final.
Tomorrow’s match between the Rebels and the Red Raiders promises to be tense, with the winner advancing to the super regionals on the path to the College Softball World Series. The Red Raiders are currently seeded third, while the Rebels are seeded sixth. The regional final is set for 4 p.m. EST in Lubbock, TX.
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