The Texas Longhorns beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 2-1 in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series championship series on Wednesday night in a contest that included multiple controversies, a stunning mistake by a star pitcher and more emotional swings — and minutes spent in replay review — than one could count.
In a scoreless game entering the fifth inning, Texas Tech pinch hitter Logan Halleman reached first on an error but then appeared to be thrown out trying to steal second. After a Texas Tech challenge, though, the umpires awarded Halleman second base, saying Longhorns shortstop Leighann Goode obstructed Halleman’s path to the base. It was a very close call and one that certainly brought up questions about the replay reversal as well as the rule itself.
One out later, Mihyia Davis delivered a two-out single to plate Halleman and give the Red Raiders the lead.
The drama, it turned out, was only getting started. Red Raiders star pitcher Nijaree Canady had allowed just one hit through five innings but ran into trouble with two outs in the sixth, giving up back-to-back singles to Kayden Henry — who then stole second — and Mia Scott. Henry and Scott then executed a double steal.
Finally,…
