The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team was the victim of an absolutely horrible call that played a big role in their elimination from the Big Ten baseball tournament on Thursday afternoon.
The Hawkeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini were locked in an extra-innings showdown in an elimination game of the Big Ten baseball tournament. Illinois took a 4-2 at the top of the 10th inning, but Iowa still had a chance to tie or take the lead in the bottom of the 10th – though their chances at a comeback were dealt a brutal blow by a horrible call from the umpires.
On an attempted double play, Iowa outfielder Kyle Huckstorf was called for interference as he slid into second base, even though he did not contact the fielder, did not impede the play or the throw, and slid directly into the bag.
https://x.com/ByCodyHills/status/1793712504339829246
As a result, the runner was called out even though he beat the throw to first base. Additionally, it took a run off the board and forced a runner to return back to second base from third base.
It’s not clear why interference was called in the first place, but making matters even worse is that the calls was actually upheld on replay.
Needless to say, the horrible call sparked outrage on social media.
What good is replay if it doesn't overturn an obvious officiating mistake? https://t.co/5rHzROih2h
— Andy Garman (@GarmanSports) May 23, 2024
Should add the call was *confirmed* upon review. It would appear there was not any interference, but to “confirm” and not say “stands” is really an extra kicker. That’s crazy. https://t.co/uLetc30lTL
— Noah Darling (@noahdarling_) May 23, 2024
I would be perfectly fine with people losing their jobs/careers over this. https://t.co/nyCkjip2GO
— Tommy Lang (@tommylang1630) May 23, 2024
I honestly can’t believe this. To call it on the field is one thing but to confirm it after minutes of replay review is just insane https://t.co/48IvSaAUi5
— Quentin Mendlik (@QuentinMendlik) May 23, 2024
That was a horrible call in the bottom of the tenth at the Big Ten tournament. I don’t know how you can call that an interference based on those looks.
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) May 23, 2024
What an awful call. Absolutely atrocious. Awful interference call. This after they let Seegers get wiped out at second earlier in the game. Unbelievable. There’s no contact. Huckstorf is sliding at the bag. This is unconscionable. #Hawkeyes
— Cody Hills (@ByCodyHills) May 23, 2024
After the blown call, the Hawkeyes ultimately lost the game and were eliminated from the tournament.
