Florida controversially called out at first base following interference from Josh Rivera

Florida is looking to win another national championship against LSU and got off to a hot start in the bottom of the first inning. Wyatt Langford hit a monster home run to left field, giving the Gators a 2-0 lead early on. But it’s a play two batters later causing some controversy.

Shortstop Josh Rivera was up to bat for Florida, hitting a 2-2 fastball back to LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd. He picked the ball up, flipping it to first baseman Tre Morgan. At the same time, Rivera showed up and was originally called safe.

The umpiring crew then came together, calling Rivera out but Florida decided to challenge. A quick review led to the call being confirmed and left the Florida dugout confused and annoyed.

You can check out the full moment here.

Ruled out for running out of the baseline. pic.twitter.com/m63cNCoxHZ

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) June 26, 2023

ESPN color commentator Kyle Peterson was not happy with the call, even before replay was used. He argues runners down the line have nowhere to go because of the base’s location. Chris Burke also pointed out Rivera beat the throw, no matter the scenario.

“Here’s the problem with this rule,” Peterson began. “The entire base is in fair territory. The entire base. So, when you get close to first base, where are you supposed to go? You got 45 feet. And then at that point, you’re supposed to be in foul territory. I’m sorry but he hit the middle of the bag.”

Hearing the call confirmed was an interesting one. Of course, the umpires could decide there was not enough video evidence to overturn the decision, instead using “stands.” Instead, they decided they were correct from the get-go and it was just confirmed by the replay.

With the call, Rivera was the second out of the frame. Hurd got out of the inning one batter later, sending LSU back up to the plate. Instead of having a runner on with BT Riopelle up to bat, the two-run home run was the only damage Florida was able to put up.

Nonetheless, a good first inning in a potential championship-clinching game for Florida. Not getting the call at first base to go your way is an annoying one. But Langford was able to get the party started in a big way.

A lot of baseball is left, especially against this dangerous LSU lineup. Hopefully for the Gators, a couple of calls wind up going their way down the stretch.