Fans, media react to controversial out call on Florida’s Josh Rivera in CWS Finals Game 3 against LSU
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Baseball fans and media members are perplexed by an early call in Game 3 of the College World Series Finals between Florida and LSU to crown the 2023 national champion.
In the top of the 1st inning, Florida’s Josh Rivera appeared to be safe at 1st base with an infield single. He was called out, however, for a running lane violation. UF challenged the play, and the out call was confirmed.
Ruled out for running out of the baseline. pic.twitter.com/m63cNCoxHZ
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) June 26, 2023
Observing fans and media members reacted on Twitter. Florida fans were livid, and many neutral observers questioned the rule and what Rivera was supposed to do in the situation.
Here’s a small sample of the social reaction:
Kid took 3 steps in the clay before the throw got there. No matter what the rule says, that shouldn’t be interference.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) June 26, 2023
Call “confirmed” is absurd
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) June 26, 2023
That really shouldn’t be interference.
— Thomas Goldkamp (@ThomasGoldkamp) June 26, 2023
Rules are rules but that’s a bad one. Tigers catch a break, but only after damage is done.
LSU 0 UF 2, end 1
— Dandy Don's LSU Sports (@dandydonlsu) June 26, 2023
Interference AND a pitch clock violation on back to back plays. It's the officials world and we're just living in it.
— Noah Darling (@noahdarling_) June 26, 2023
This is my single least favorite rule in college baseball today. Runners are in such a tough spot with a rule that makes no damn sense.
— SEC Baseball (@SECbaseball) June 26, 2023
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
Would love an explanation of how you’re supposed to run to first without interfering
— Tyler Nettuno (@TylerNettuno) June 26, 2023
https://twitter.com/scottshieldstv/status/1673473661666295808
Dumb call. Dumb rule.
— David Waters – Gators Breakdown (@GatorDave_SEC) June 26, 2023
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
— Ali Peek Wilbur (@Ali_Peek) June 26, 2023
Seriously can the umpires explain what Rivera was supposed to do? Like can we stop the game and make the umpire explain it to everyone? Because I'm lost.
— Dustin (@dustinjkent) June 26, 2023
Florida been rattled ever since that stupid interference call…
— Mr. Smith ? (@BadChoiceMilk) June 26, 2023
Lane violation at 1b in CWS is so out of line Lol-actually no pun intended. The runner touched the base with his left foot directly on the line and his right in foul territory. Couldn’t have been any further right and touch with Lt foot. Not good. Wanna change a rule? Start here
— Stan Meek (@MeekStan) June 26, 2023
Since the call, everything has gone LSU’s way. Florida ended the 1st inning up 2-0, but the Tigers have taken a 5-2 lead in the top of the 2nd inning. The game is airing on ESPN.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
