Kentucky-Texas softball matchup finishes tied after controversial rule ends game

The Kentucky Wildcats ended an early matchup with Texas softball in a tie after the Longhorns appeared to stall the game for an unusual rule. NCAA softball rules allow teams to agree before a game upon a “Drop-Dead Time” to allow for teams who have time restrictions to make their travel arrangements should a game run longer than anticipated.

On Sunday afternoon the 2023 National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Lead-Off Classic finished in disappointing fashion for the Wildcats — with possible NCAA Tournament implications.

Kentucky ties Texas softball after time rule

The two teams agreed ahead of time on a 3:30 p.m. ET drop-dead time for the game as both teams had to leave Florida that night, and the game finished regular innings in a 4-4 tie with the time limit approaching. Kentucky batted first in the eighth inning and put three runs on the board quickly to leave the Longhorns in a tough position.

Then, Texas proceeded to do a series of moves that fans called a deliberate attempt to stall out the game until the drop-dead time. Texas coach Mike White made a visit after the team gave up the three runs taking a full minute to discuss the situation with his team. Shortly after the initial meeting, White walked back to the dugout and came back onto the field to make a pitching change.

Once his replacement pitcher reached a 2-1 count during the at-bat, White attempted to visit with his pitcher again but was denied by an umpire. The Longhorns then held an infield meeting for another minute instead, leaving the time remaining just over 10 minutes. Kentucky finished their side of the inning and Texas took the plate roughly three minutes later.

The Longhorns opened the inning with an out quickly, then the second batter called for time during her at-bat to have eye drops given to her. Once she returned from another pause in the game, she drew a walk and brought the third batter of the inning up to the plate.

The international tie-breaker rules call for a runner to start on second base to speed up the extra innings, putting the final player to bat in the upcoming inning on base. Mike White decided during his third batter’s turn at the plate that a different runner would be better suited to the three-run deficit and called for a pinch-runner. Their batter struck out on the very next pitch, leaving two outs and two runners on base.

The final batter stepped into the box at roughly 3:29 p.m. and fell down 0-2 in the count. From there, Mike White made the call for a pinch-runner at first base, taking the game past the drop-dead time. The rules state that because the inning could not be completed, the score would revert to the final full inning’s score — a 4-4 tie.

Kentucky scored all seven of their runs unanswered in the final three innings of the game after being down 4-0, adding to the team’s frustration after an incredible rally. The game was just the second tie in Kentucky program history.

After the game, fans expressed their outrage at the gamesmanship from White and the Longhorns — especially because the game will be considered a tie by the NCAA Selection Committee when they look at teams for future tournament seeding.