SEC explains balk, catcher's interference call in South Carolina vs. LSU in SEC Tournament

HOOVER, Ala. — South Carolina baseball was awarded a 10th-inning run against LSU on Saturday in the SEC Tournament semifinals due to a simultaneous balk and catcher’s interference call, an SEC official explained.

SEC umpires coordinator Paul Guillie explained that LSU catcher Brady Neal stepped in front of or on the plate during a play without possession of the ball. That move results in the pitcher being charged with a balk and the catcher being called for catcher’s interference, which is what umpires ruled after a lengthy review in a game that concluded with a two-run walk-off homer by LSU in a 12-11 Gamecocks loss.

South Carolina’s Blake Jackson, who was originally ruled out stealing home, was called safe and USC took an 11-10 lead. South Carolina batter Parker Noland was awarded first base and Cole Messina moved to second. 

“All of that is 100% by the rule book,” Guillie said. “The ball becomes dead. The batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the run scores. The other runner advanced to second.”

The specific rule is in Rule 8 section 3P under baserunning, which applies to an attempted squeeze play or steal of home. 

LSU coach Jay Johnson was ejected arguing the decision. LSU's Steven Milam hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th to send LSU to the SEC Tournament title game against either No. 1 Tennessee or No. 8 Vanderbilt.

Why LSU baseball was not able to protest the ruling

LSU informed the umpires it was playing the game under protest after the ruling. That decision was overruled as the play was not able to be protested.

Guillie explained that the play was not reviewable under the 14 options of reviewable plays the SEC has because it is a judgment call. For the same reason, it could not result in a team protesting the game. 

“The play is a judgment play and that is not a protestable situation,” Guillie said. 

How the play would have changed if Griffin Herring stepped off

Guillie indicated the play would have been viewed different had Herring stepped off the rubber. Herring threw the ball as a live pitch, which means it is a hittable ball and the catcher interfered by stepping in front of the plate without the ball.

If Herring had stepped off, the pitch would not have been a live pitch and cannot be hit so it eliminates the possibility of catcher's interference.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.