Texas Southern’s baseball team came close to a monumental win over Kansas, but a controversial call left them on the losing end of an 11-7 decision on Wednesday.
As the game entered the ninth inning, Texas Southern trailed 11-3 and was on the cusp of losing its second consecutive game to the Jayhawks.
Then a rally happened.
The Tigers began to mount a comeback scoring on a two-run double by Tyler Legendre, an RBI single by CJ Castillo, and bases loaded walk by Gabriel Vasquez to pull within 11-7.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Roderick Coffee stepped up to the plate with a chance to tie the game with one swing.
On the second pitch of the at-bat, Coffee drilled a fastball deep down the left field line that appeared to be a game-tying grand slam. However, the umpires ruled it a foul ball after a discussion.
Fair or foul?@TXSOBASEBALL almost pulled off an incredible comeback at Kansas.
Roderick Coffee's grand slam – which would have been part of an 8-run ninth inning – is ruled foul. Video replay? Not enough evidence to overturn, per umps.Tigers lose, 11-7. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/ySquEzXr4T
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) April 13, 2023
After a video replay, the umpires determined that there was not enough evidence to overturn the ruling on the field.
The controversy comes as there was not a camera on the third baseline that captures where the ball traveled so there is no clear indication of whether it was fair or foul.
In the background, a fan can be heard saying “That was as fair as can be.” Also, a Kansas third baseman looked to have believed it was fair as well putting his hands on his knees and his head down in disappointment.
In addition, both commentators calling the game believed it was a fair ball as the play was happening live.
Coffee later fouled out to end the game.
