Tennessee Volunteers first baseman Blake Burke. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Florida State loses to Tennessee after questionable check swing call

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 15, 2024 3:09 AM ET

Florida State has a major gripe with the NCAA after losing to Tennessee in the College World Series opening game on Friday night.

The Seminoles entered the bottom of the ninth inning, leading 11-8 against the Volunteers. Tennessee scored a run in the ninth and had runners in second and third with two outs against Brennen Oxford. Blake Burke was batting with a 2-2 count, and Oxford threw a breaking ball low that Burke offered at.

Why are they still playing this game? pic.twitter.com/F8Y20g2Do2

— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) June 15, 2024

The home plate umpire asked the third base umpire whether Burke went, and the third base umpire said Burke did not go. The decision made it a full count, and Burke hammered a two-run single to tie the game at 11.

THIS. IS. JUNE.
THIS. IS. OMAHA.
THIS IS (what happens when you give Blake Burke a 50/50 check swing call that would have ended the game but he gets 2nd life and capitalizes) pic.twitter.com/1MpKPjwDcF

— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 15, 2024

The Vols tied the game on Burke’s hit, thanks to the new life. Tennessee followed with two more hits, winning 12-11 in walk-off fashion.

Had the umpire said Burke went on the swing, the game would have been over, and FSU would have won 11-9.

The question is: Did Burke go or check his swing?

This check swing would have ended the game had it been called a strike and Florida State would have won. Instead, two batters later, Tennessee walks off.

Swing or no swing? #MCWS pic.twitter.com/Lrpqb2mN9A

— Don Thomas (@REALDonThomas) June 15, 2024

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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