8. This isn't why Carolina lost, which is why it's this far down in the recap. But home plate umpire Billy Van Raaphorst had a very difficult night on multiple occasions, including game management, the strike zone, and evaluating swing/no-swing decisions. Again--not in any way the reason for the defeat, because I probably could have umpired home plate myself and the outcome of these nine innings might have been the same. But at the NCAA Championship level, you need a better performance from those who are paid to be impartial about the game, no matter what might be posted on their social media.
We didn’t lose because of an umpire or even close to it. But I would have preferred not to have seen the ump wearing an OU shirt in a picture on Facebook.
Dear God, when I said I’d give anything for my Heels to beat Dook in 2022 and end Voldemort’s evil reign, I didn’t mean for you to curse my team in all sports until the end of time. #GoHeels
To be absolutely clear: I know this is not going to be the reason for any outcome tonight. But you should absolutely be able to expect more from your umpires in a national championship game.
Congrats to #Oklahoma, the #SEC and @espn. You really put the fix in tonight. Should be mighty proud of the home plate umpire that you paid. He earned his money. #UNC