Did anyone happen to see the bottom of the 9th in Davidson's win over UNC? I would like someone to chime in with the rule regarding catchers "blocking the plate" in college baseball. I know the MLB recently changed this rule to stop/reduce intentional (dangerous) collisions at home between runner and catcher. The MLB rule is not actually too clear to me; but from what I understand....the catcher, in positioning himself to receive a throw home, cannot place himself "in the line" between home and 3rd base. IF the throw forces him into that line... that is OK. I've seen some cases in the MLB where runners are ruled safe when the catcher "obstructs" the runner's line to reach home.
I doubt college has the exact same rule; but here was the situation last night. [ESPN3 showed like one replay of this play...not enough for me to judge much] Davidson was up 2-1 with 1 out and UNC had runners on 1st and 2nd. Base hit liner to RF, tying run coming with a play at the plate. It appeared to me the catcher was definitely "standing" in/on the line between home and 3rd base; therefore obstructing the runner's line. The runner beat the throw (barely) but slid headfirst "around" the catcher and missed touching the plate. The runner (after sliding past home) righted himself and made the leap to touch home as the catcher dove to apply the tag.... it was bang/bang; but the ump called the runner out. The runner was livid... jumped up and shouted at the ump. I do not know if his anger was related to the catcher obstructing his path or he felt he still beat the tag (or both)...or just bitterness for not scoring.
Regardless.. he was out (HUGE PLAY) and now runners were on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.
Then with 2 outs (tying run at 3rd)... the UNC dude hit a hard chopper to 1st base. The pitcher was in a full sprint to get to 1st to gather the throw coming from the 1st basemen. The throw definitely beat the runner... but the pitcher had little opportunity to get under control to step on 1st. [I saw no replay of this play] The 1st base coach went nuts when the guy was called out.... I assume his case was the pitcher did not actually step on 1st.
UNC had 2 chances to score that tying run on 2 consecutive close/weird/controversial plays. It was a pretty crazy finish and I'd love to see more angles of both plays (as well as a good explanation of the rule regarding plays at the plate in college).
You can bet... next year, replay review will be part of ALL of the NCAA baseball tournament... not just CWS. IIRC... the super-regionals will not have instant replay review; but the CWS will.
