Conference title game decided on controversial 3-run home run through bullpen door
By Keith Farner
Published:
It was a wild ending in the SWAC baseball championship as Southern shocked previously unbeaten in conference play Jackson State to claim the conference title.
The decisive runs came on a controversial three-run home run by O’Neil Burgos which gave the Jaguars the 7-6 lead, and they held on to win. The home run was launched to left field and as the left fielder went to make the catch against the wall, the bullpen door opened.
It gave Southern back-to-back SWAC tournament titles, and its 10 NCAA appearance. It was a true underdog upset as Southern improved its record to 20-29, while Jackson State fell to 34-9.
Burgos overall knocked in four runs in the game, as he also drew a walk and a hit by pitch.
CRAZY finish at the SWAC baseball championship.
Down two in the 9th, Southern Jags DH O’Neill Burgos blasts a 3-run home run to give SU the lead….or did he?
He did…but WATCH how crazy this play is.
Southern wins SWAC, automatic berth into NCAA Tournament.
🎥 = ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/RZe70k6ooL
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) May 23, 2021
What a way to finish the regular season for @CoachCrenshaw42. Named interim coach in November when Kerrick Jackson took another job and wins the SWAC title six months later – beating his former boss to do so.
— Teddy Cahill (@tedcahill) May 23, 2021
— Brian C. Martin (@Brianmartin999) May 23, 2021
#32 O’Neil Burgos 3 run home run, gives the Jaguars the 7-6 lead#WeAreSouthern #GoJags pic.twitter.com/VkP9U2txMO
— Southern U. Sports (@SouthernUsports) May 23, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
