Controversial call in College World Series win for Vols: Did Blake Burke swing vs. FSU?

Florida State baseball came close to pulling off a major upset at the College World Series, but fell short by just one strike. In a crucial moment in the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied, a pivotal check swing call by the third base umpire extended the at-bat for Tennessee’s Blake Burke. Despite the FSU manager’s protests, the call stood, leading to a game-tying hit by Burke.

Leading up to the controversial check swing call, Florida State pitcher Brennen Oxford had a tough battle against Vols’ first baseman Blake Burke in a crucial moment of the game. After giving up a double and putting the tying run on base, Oxford found himself with a 2-2 count. His off-speed pitch seemed to get Burke swinging, but an appeal determined otherwise, extending the at-bat to a full count.

Despite Manager Link Jarrett’s dissatisfaction with the call, the third base umpire’s decision allowed Burke to stay in the at-bat. Burke took advantage of the situation and delivered a game-tying hit up the middle, followed by a walk-off win for Tennessee. This turn of events handed Florida State a heartbreaking 12-11 loss and sent them to the “loser’s bracket” of the College World Series.

Florida State, who had a commanding lead entering the eighth inning, ultimately fell victim to a late-game rally by Tennessee. While the game was filled with drama and controversy, it was the Vols who emerged victorious in the end, leaving Florida State to regroup and fight their way back through the loser’s bracket in the College World Series.