Controversy erupted in the Eugene Regional on Friday after Oregon catcher Anson Aroz was ejected for malicious contact in the bottom of the eighth inning against Utah Valley. Aroz will not be allowed to play in Oregon’s game on Saturday due to the ejection.
The umpires ruled that the malicious contact occurred after Aroz ran over Utah Valley catcher Mason Strong, who attempted to tag Aroz out at home plate. Although Strong appeared to be standing in front of home plate, the umpires ruled that he didn’t commit obstruction, thus leading to their decision to eject Aroz.
Aroz had been on third base and dashed toward home after tagging up on a pop fly to left field. The umpire’s decision will not only be pivotal to Oregon’s hopes tomorrow but played an immediate effect on Friday evening…