Controversy erupted in the South Carolina Lower State Championship last week when a winning team was disqualified from the postseason due to a statewide pitch count rule. Now, we’re seeing the aftermath.
The high school baseball team in question appealed the SCHSL’s decision of a forfeit, leading to even further debate about the rule in question.
It turns out the drama was just getting started!
On Thursday, the Summerville Green Wave faced off against the Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes with an appearance in the state title on the line. A winner-take-all contest, the action wouldn’t disappoint.
Ashley Ridge jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before Summerville tied things up at 4-4 in their final at-bat. They were down to their last out before a bloop single glanced off of a Swamp Fox infielder’s glove to score the tying run!
The Green Wave then carried that momentum into extra innings where they’d win, 6-4, seemingly to advance to the State Championship.
Then, controversy.
It turns out the starting pitcher threw 83 pitches in the game. That count wouldn’t have mattered had the same player not thrown two pitches the day prior.
According to SCHSL rule, “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.”
Despite winning the game, Summerville was forced to cede its championship opportunity to Ashley Ridge – the losing team!
Summerville appealed the High School baseball association’s decision.
Their argument?
[Summerville AD] Matt Legare states twice that his baseball coach was following the old pitch count rule, even after he attended meeting and signed off on the new rules when presented. Old coach got the email. IE- sounds like he wasn’t paying attention at meeting. Just signed & moved on.
-Scott Eisberg, WCIV Charleston / X: @SEisbergWCIV
Making things more head-scratching, the athletic director was then seen flip-flopping on his answer to whether or not the coaching staff uses pitch communication technology to keep track of pitches thrown.
He initially stated that they don’t, but it turns out they do!
Matt Legare just asked by a committee member if Summerville uses the in game pitch comms system. He said- No.
However, I’m pretty positive they do— I believe this is the system on the catchers back which attaches to an IFB earphone to hear coaches.
Correct me if I’m wrong. pic.twitter.com/dXYQVtGUCm
— Scott Eisberg (@SEisbergWCIV)
Summerville had hoped to sway the appeal by saying, “Punish the coach, not the team,” for his misunderstanding of the rule.
Is ignorance a justifiable excuse for skirting punishment? The SCHSL didn’t believe so!
The association ruled against Summerville’s appeal with an astounding 11-0 vote. Ashley Ridge advances to the State Championship despite losing its last game!
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