Florida's Tim Walton ejected after throwing hat, kicking dirt on plate following lengthy rules delay

In the eighth inning of Saturday’s softball game against Arkansas, Florida coach Tim Walton protested a ruling on the field that gave the Razorbacks runner first base. It took nearly a half hour for a ruling to come in from the SEC office – and Walton was ejected for his fiery response.

Walton took a page out of the Billy Martin and Lou Piniella playbook, throwing his hat and kicking dirt on home plate following the decision. The umpire initially ruled Karlie Davison because she was already out of the batter’s box when the ball hit her. However, the SEC office in Birmingham ruled she did not get hit by the ball and should be awarded first base.

It took about 24 minutes for the ruling to come in. When it did, Walton made his thoughts abundantly clear and was promptly ejected.

And after nearly half an hour waiting on a ruling, #Florida HC Tim Walton gets tossed. https://t.co/kGJyfLsMyw pic.twitter.com/cLLrvDGhHH

— Jack Allen KATV (@JackAllenTV) April 5, 2025

As if Tim Walton’s ejection wasn’t wild enough, the game ended up going to a ninth inning. Arkansas took the lead on a solo home run from Bri Ellis in the top half of the frame, meaning Florida needed two runs to get the home victory.

The Gators loaded the bases, and Korbe Otis ended things in spectacular fashion. She hit a walk-off grand slam, giving Florida the 10-7 victory in one of the wildest games of the season.

GATORS WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM 😤 @GatorsSB pic.twitter.com/fvIWZKMkFL

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 5, 2025

With the win, Florida improves to 34-7 overall on the season and 7-4 in SEC play. The Gators previously fell to the No. 12/13-ranked Razorbacks in Friday’s series opener, and the walk-off grand slam sets up a thrilling rubber match on Sunday in Gainesville.

Ava Brown got the win in the circle for the Gators, throwing the final 3.1 innings. She allowed just one earned run during that time on the Ellis home run and gave up three hits during that time. Keagan Rothrock started the game, throwing four innings before Olivia Miller took over in relief.

On the Arkansas side, Robyn Herron took the loss. She allowed just one run in her 5.2 innings of work before Otis’ walk-off home run. She also struck out five Florida hitters in the effort. Ella McDowell had a huge day for the Razorbacks, going 4-for-5 with four RBI – three of which came on a home run in the top of the third inning.

Florida and Arkansas will now prepare for the third game of their thrilling series on Sunday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.