Early Celebrations Went Wrong For Hornell High School Baseball Team: Dropped Third Strike Rule Cause

May 2024 · 3 minute read

A thrilling baseball game between the Hornell Red Raiders and Pal-Mac took place in Batavia on Saturday afternoon, and in an unexpected change of events, the Hornell Red Raiders seemed to be in a position to win the Section V B1 Baseball Championship.

Early Celebrations Went Wrong For Hornell High School Baseball Team: Dropped Third Strike Rule Causes The Loss

When the last pitch was caught, seeming to hit the ground, it appeared like Hornell had won the game in the closing seconds. The runner was immediately nabbed by the quick-thinking Hornell catcher, setting up a joyous celebration on the mound.

To their disappointment, however, the dropped-on-strike three rule provided the opposition with an opportunity to take the victory from Hornell’s hands like sand.

Unbelievable finish for Section V Class B1 Championship…down 1 run…two outs…dropped third strike! #SCTop10
Palmyra-Macedon vs. Hornell.
Pal-Mac wins! pic.twitter.com/N6ZOaTYq4g

— Pal-Mac Athletics (@palmacsports) May 28, 2023

According to this regulation, the batter at the plate has the opportunity to run and score one run for the team when the game comes down to the third strike and the catcher fails to catch the ball.

In the middle of the joy, a shocking turn occurred. The runner immediately ran towards first base after noticing that the umpire had not ruled the play out. As the runners moved forward and the tying run reached home plate, confusion followed.

Honestly, I am disappointed at the outcome. Pal-Mac didn’t deserve the W but only because they didn’t make Hornell wear alternates. https://t.co/sQx9p0x7y5

— Zach Hoffmanifesto (@curtsboy) May 28, 2023

Few players from both sides were able to make sense of the scenario as it developed, and the ball’s whereabouts were a mystery amid the confusion of players, umpires, and coaches.

Even the presenter was perplexed by the umpires’ choice to declare Palmyra-Macedon the winner after they had convened.

Poor coaching, poor situational awareness, poor execution.

Hornell better remember this one.

Pal-Mac deserves the dub for not quitting on the play.

— TheBavarianContrarian (@McmahonRadar) May 28, 2023

“Wait a minute, Hornell’s got to pay attention,” the broadcaster said as the Palmyra-Macedon runners continued rounding the bases. “I don’t know what’s happening here,”

The commentator said, “Wow, this has got to be the most bizarre ending I’ve ever seen,” as the umpires notified Palmyra-Macedon of their choice and seemed to leave the field.

Yet more weird things: 1) If the ump thought the batter was safe, why does he take off his mask and leave the plate while he thinks the play is still alive?
2) Why is the Hornell coach already on the field talking to ump even before the winning Pal-Mac run crosses?
WTF????? https://t.co/WrvFUqAh4a

— Todd Hallidy (@ToddHallidy) May 28, 2023

Hornell undoubtedly made a mistake by failing to be familiar with such a crucial regulation. They ultimately lost the title because they were unaware of this regulation. Therefore, baseball fans on Twitter felt sorry for the Hornell squad for losing the game so terribly.

Okay I heard the ending again. They didn’t update the score on the bottom of the screen, so I thought Hornell won. But I guess Pal-Mac did.

— Irene Xenos (@irns53) May 28, 2023

Everyone was surprised by the outcome.

Pal-Mac triumphed in an astounding change of events, winning 6-5, shocking both sides and onlookers with the unexpected turn of events. The extraordinary sequence of occasions will go down in high school baseball history as a monument to the unexpected character and tenacious spirit of the game.

Unbelievable finish pic.twitter.com/c0hjbQopnk

— Pal-Mac Athletics (@palmacsports) May 27, 2023

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