A South Carolina high school baseball team found itself in the midst of heartbreak on Thursday after seemingly having wrapped up a Lower State title.
That win is now in question due to a pitch count rule that was potentially broken, which could lead to not only a forfeit of the matchup but also a disqualification from state championship contention.
Summerville High School faced off against Ashley Ridge in the Lower State Final with an appearance in the State Championship on the line.
After falling behind 4-0 early, the Green Wave battled back to win in extra innings, 6-4.
An initial celebration erupted, but controversy soon followed. Scott Eisberg of WCIV Charleston was on the beat.
Apparently, a Summerville pitcher threw on back-to-back nights. A pitch count rule states that “if a pitcher throws on consecutive days, he has a maximum of 75 pitches on the 2nd day regardless of whether he threw one pitch or 30 pitches on the first day.”
On Wednesday, that pitcher threw two pitches… On Thursday, he was recorded at 83, eight pitches over the limit.
That violation wasn’t made known until after the contest’s conclusion, again, which Summerville won.
Eisberg kept his social media following up to date with a series of posts after the game. The entire situation was somewhat unbelievable!
“HOLD UP,” he posted on X shortly after the matchup went final. “I’m being told there is a pitch count protest, which would forfeit the game for Summerville. Green Wave players crying. Waiting for official word.”
Summerville players absolutely dejected. Having a team meeting right now,
No celebration from Ashley Ridge but it appears that the Swamp Foxes will win this by forfeit. pic.twitter.com/fE3O9OMQZb
— Scott Eisberg (@SEisbergWCIV)
Uncertainty surrounded the supposed victory, and the doubt wouldn’t be cleared up until early Friday afternoon.
Unfortunately for the Summerville baseball team, its worst fears were realized when the South Carolina High School League officially ruled against the Green Wave, smacking them with a forfeiture and handing the win to Ashley Ridge.
The #SCHSL has upheld the forfeit regarding Summerville-Ashley Ridge. Just waiting to see if Summerville will appeal decision
— Lou Bezjak (@LouatTheState)
Summerville can appeal the decision, but for now, it appears its playoff run is over.
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