Extremely rare rule called by umpires in LSU-South Carolina game

A rare rule was called during an SEC Tournament semifinal game between LSU and South Carolina on Saturday.

LSU won the game 12-11 to reach the tournament final against Tennessee at Hoover Metropolitan Complex in Hoover, Ala. But the Tigers fell behind in the 10th on an odd ruling.

South Carolina had runners on the corners with two outs in the top of the 10th inning with the game tied at 10. The Gamecocks attempted a steal, so LSU catcher Alex Milazzo moved forward in front of the plate to receive the pitch from Griffin Herring. Milazzo tagged out Blake Jackson for what looked like an inning-ending out.

Strange rule came into play during the LSU vs. South Carolina SEC Tournament game

Umpires determined that the catcher stepped on or in front of home plate before receiving the ball. It was ruled a balk and a catcher's interference. So the run scored and the batter was awarded… pic.twitter.com/Rbw5oFnLvX

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 26, 2024

The umpires initially called it an out but then reversed their call upon a review. They called Milazzo for interference since catchers are supposed to allow the runner a path to home on a squeeze play or attempted steal of home. Batter Parker Noland was granted first base. The next batter grounded out to end the inning, but not before South Carolina had taken the lead and LSU coach Jay Johnson had gotten ejected.

LSU still wound up winning the game on a walk-off 2-run home run by Steven Milam. But things did get tricky in that half-inning.

LSU lost in the final 4-3 to top seed Tennessee.