Oregon Should Reciprocate In-Game Softball Reviews

[HDuck]

If Liberty's coach is going to do this crap, then Lombardi needs to return it in kind.   Call for a balk review when ever any new Oregon batter comes up, etc. etc.

 

[30Duck]

Dot's reviews were annoying, even more than Miami's football edition last year. On Friday, the reviews on Luchar exposed a ridiculous flaw in the rule, hopefully it can be corrected. As for Dot's "genius" in spotting it, I don't buy it. Luchar stole a base, Dot didn't like that so she called a challenge, that's it. 

[EastBayDuckDad]

Sorry to disagree, but the NCAA rules are pretty specific and support the Liberty coach's decision to contest the calls. She noted a glitch, perhaps on film review, in how Kai lifted her lead foot off the base even though she wasn't leaving early or getting a jump on the pitch. Once Luschar was no longer in contact with the base, she was in violation of the strict interpretation of the rules. From the NCAA Rulebook:

 

12.6 Base Runner Is Out

12.6.1 When she leaves the base she is occupying before the pitch is released and

the defensive coach does not take the result of the play.

 

12.14 Leaving A Base

12.14.1 A runner may not leave the base she attained at the conclusion of play

once the ball is in the pitcher’s possession in the pitcher’s circle.

 

DL took advantage of a loophole in the 12 men on the field rule to help defeat Ohio State at Autzen. The NCAA then changed the rulebook to close that loophole. That's just smart coaching, and I give Dot Richardson the nod for exploiting it.

 

The softball rules may need a revamp, but I suspect that runners will just make sure they always stay in contact with the base before trying to steal. I'm thankful that these calls didn't hurt Oregon and that the issue will be addressed before the WS games, where they could have been devastating. 

 

[Charles Fischer]

 

[Washington Waddler]

     Give me Liberty or give me the rule book?