South Carolina scores run on controversial call change in the middle of inning, Jay Johnson ejected

Chaos has broken out in Hoover, with South Carolina taking the lead in the top of the 10th inning against LSU in the strangest of ways.

Blake Jackson took off from third base, attempting to steal home plate. LSU was all over the move, though, and threw Jackson out with plenty of ease. A huge moment in the game as the Tigers were out of the inning and would have an opportunity to win the game in the bottom half of the frame.

Try Fubo for FREE today and don’t miss any of the action!

However, once coming back from commercial, the umpires were seen huddling up and discussing a potential interference on the play. They then ruled Alex Milazzo touched home plate while waiting for the throw. As a result, a balk was called, awarding Jackson with a successful stolen base.

You can watch the full play here.

South Carolina tried to steal and got thrown out, after a conference it was determined the runner should score as the catcher left the catchers box and it can't be reviewed I don't know what the hell is going on they're still discussing it pic.twitter.com/Uu8hVheAKi

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 25, 2024

ESPN’s Tom Hart explained the rule on air as the madness was unfolding. Because the umpires determined Milazzo was either in front of the plate or touching it, they gave South Carolina the go-ahead run.

“Here’s the rule as it’s written in the book,” Hart said. “If on an attempted squeeze play or a steal of home plate, the catcher steps on or in front of home plate, without possession — the pitcher should be charged with a balk and the catcher should be called with interference.”

To no surprise, LSU head coach Jay Johnson was not happy with the call. After getting the explanation and giving his thoughts, he was ejected from the game. No matter how much longer the game plays out, Johnson will be watching from the clubhouse.

To add to the craziness, there was confusion over whether or LSU was protesting the game. The ESPN crew originally said there would be one from the Tigers, with Kris Budden confirming so while things were still getting worked out.

“They are issuing a protest,” Budden said. “But what they’re asking the umps now is ‘Can you tell me, that with your eyes, you saw him touch the plate or be in front of the plate?’ Because it’s obviously not challengeable or reviewable. They want confirmation that they saw that on that play.”

However, it was later revealed you cannot protest a game over a judgment call from an umpire. There will be no review from the SEC offices in nearby Birmingham. Whoever winds up winning the game will be heading to the championship game.