NCAA \

USA Today

2 days ago

NCAA "clarifies" ruling in Anson Aroz ejection from Friday's loss in Eugene Regional
It's a play that is being discussed in the college baseball world. It's a play Oregon baseball or their fans won't soon forget.
In Oregon's 6-5 loss to Utah Valley in the Eugene Regional Friday night at PK Park, the Ducks were in the middle of a rally during the seventh inning. Chase Meggers seemingly hit a shallow fly to left field, where Anson Aroz tagged up and seemingly scored to make it 6-5 Utah Valley with just one out.
But when Aroz arrived at home plate, it was blocked, and Aroz collided with the Wolverine catcher. Collisions like these are rare in college baseball now, as the catcher has to give the runner a clear lane to get to home plate. When the play happened live, it looked as if Aroz dropped down to avoid head-to-head contact, and his momentum carried him to the catcher.
Aroz was called safe, and naturally, Utah Valley challenged the play. After a review of play that lasted nearly eight minutes, it was determined Aroz's intent was "malicious" and he was ruled out. Not only was he ruled out, Aroz was ejected from the game and ineligible to play in the following game. It cost Oregon a precious run and virtually killed the rally.
Of course, the Ducks went on to lose by one run.
The call mystified everyone, and the NCAA offered up an explanation of the ruling Saturday morning.
In short, the NCAA said Aroz should have avoided the collision. They failed to take into account the catcher did not have the ball and Aroz didn't have a path to the plate. They did not explain what he should have done to avoid the unavoidable.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.