Controversial double-play call dooms Iowa in Big Ten Tournament loss to Illinois

Controversy doomed Iowa against Illinois during the bottom of the 10th inning in Thursday’s Big Ten Tournament game.

Heck, the Hawkeyes had the bases loaded down 4-2, which ended up being the final score. Michael Seegers appeared to drive in a run on a fielder’s choice but the umpire controversially ruled interference for preventing Illinois’ double play attempt.

After a review, it was ruled two outs and no runs for Iowa. See for yourself below.

This was called interference.

This is the worst call you will see in a very long time. Just awful. #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/yTjiDQLc3c

— Cody Hills (@ByCodyHills) May 23, 2024

Then, Ben Wilmes struck out swinging to end the game, giving Illinois the win, 4-2, in 10 innings. The game was tight throughout the morning into the afternoon, which certainly makes the ending bitter.

Iowa head coach Rick Heller kept it pretty simple after the game.

“I’m still confused,” Heller said postgame.

During a scoreless first three innings, the most intriguing thing to happy was Iowa pitcher Brody Brecht in the dugout. He did an in-game interview with teammates placing a lot of bananas on his shoulders and head.

Illinois scored in the top of the fourth inning on a bases loaded walk, going up 1-0. However, runners were stranded shortly thereafter. The Fighting Illini added another in the top of the sixth with a sacrifice fly from Coltin Quagliano.

However, the Hawkeyes struck back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning with Gabe Mitchell driving in a run and then Cade Moss laying down a sacrifice bunt to tie it 2-2.

In the top of the ninth, with two runners on second and third, Vytas Valincius had a chance to drive in the go-ahead run. However, he flew out to center and the game remained tied. Iowa could not respond in the bottom half.

The Fighting Illini broke through in the top of the 10th inning as Quagliano single through the left side and drove in two runs to take a 4-2 lead. With no outs in the bottom of the 10th, Iowa loaded the bases. Of course, you know what happened next.