Things erupted into action in the seventh inning of the Hattiesburg Regional elimination game between the UVA Cavaliers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Saturday. Virginia’s pitcher John Paone was ejected from the game right after he yelled at the opposing batter following a strikeout to end the seventh inning, with the Cavaliers leading 11-8.
The home plate umpire immediately ejected the relief pitcher for engaging in unnecessary banter with the opposing hitter. Paone, initially excited after the inning-ending strikeout, walked back to the dugout, only to realize what had occurred and show his confusion about the umpire’s call.
Some fans quickly shared their reactions to the elimination, with varying views. While some praised the umpire for the ejection call, others argued he should have issued a warning to the pitcher first.
“Ump show in the regionals. Blue has to be more aware there and warn him. That’s soft. Season the line and the ump makes it about himself. Just dumb,” one fan commented.
“About time. This garbage needs to end. And yes as an LSU fan, Devin Sheeran should’ve been tossed when he did it in the SEC tournament as well,” another fan commented.
“Good!! Sick of these idiot pitchers freaking out and taunting hitters after doing their job!! It’s Just another inning?!! Not even a game winner?! U want to be fired up to your own dugout then fine but looking at the other teams hitter and dugout is pathetic and classless! Loser!” yet another fan commented.
Some other fans expressed their views on trash-talking during intense collegiate games.
“The real issue is trash talking in a setting where you know nothing can be done. We use to call this “talking trash with your windows rolled up!”,” one fan commented.
“Maybe don’t yell ‘F*ck you!’ at the hitter. Get excited, sure, but do it toward your team. Just play the game,” another fan commented.
“I’m tired of the antagonistic direction college baseball has taken in recent years, but ejecting the pitcher in a tournament game over this is insane. Give him a stern talking to and a warning. If he does it again, fine,” yet another fan commented.
UVA Pips Southern Miss in Extra Innings to Avoid Elimination
Despite the ejection call going against them, the Cavaliers fought hard to secure an important victory and avoid elimination on Saturday. After Paone was ejected, the next two relievers allowed three earned runs, tying the game at 11-11 as the teams headed into the ninth inning.
Neither team scored in the ninth, but the Cavaliers’ offense came alive at the top of the tenth, scoring four runs to lead 15-11 in extra innings. Finally, Thomas Stewart finished the game impressively for the Cavaliers, allowing UVA to survive and continue competing in the Hattiesburg Regional.
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