Wild play helps lead college baseball team to victory

Indiana State’s baseball team hosted Illinois on Tuesday in a dramatic, thrilling game. The Sycamores defeated the Fighting Illini in 13 innings with a walk-off home run.

But before winning the game, Indiana State first needed to tie it. And that likely would not have happened were it not for one of the more bizarre plays anyone will ever see.

The Fighting Illini scored a pair of runs in the top of the 10th inning to open up a 4-2 lead. The Sycamores threatened in the bottom half of the inning, loading the bases with only one out. It appeared, though, like Illinois would win the game on a double play. But that’s when things got weird.

Indiana State hitter Seth Gergely hit a grounder to third base and when Illinois third baseman Branden Comia made a diving stop, a game-ending double play was very much a possibility. Comia fired to second, getting the first out. When second baseman Brody Harding turned to throw to first, his throw hit Indiana State’s Miguel Rivera, who was sliding into second base. The ball bounced away from second base, into shallow right field.

With that, Parker Stinson, who was on second to start the play, sprinted home from third to score the tying run.

TIE BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#MarchOn pic.twitter.com/rm6hERVKBa

— Indiana State Baseball (@IndStBaseball) May 3, 2023

Illinois argued for interference but to no avail. The tying run stood.

Indiana State took advantage of the great break, though it took a little while.

Sycamores reliever Zach Davidson tore through the Illinois lineup. He went 3.1 innings, allowing no runs (though an inherited runner did score against him) on only one hit with 11 strikeouts. That included an immaculate inning in the 11th.

M11 | PERFECTION.

9️⃣ pitches, 9️⃣ strikes, 3️⃣ strikeouts

Think Zach Davidson is fired up?

Still tied heading into the bottom of the 11th#MarchOn pic.twitter.com/6blrJ4Z6qv

— Indiana State Baseball (@IndStBaseball) May 3, 2023

But the Sycamores couldn’t score — until the 13th inning.

Rivera led the bottom of the 13th inning off with a home run, ending the marathon game.

Ball. Game. Over.

How about that to cap a Tuesday night win!#MarchOn pic.twitter.com/1aMRXNuQDJ

— Indiana State Baseball (@IndStBaseball) May 3, 2023

[Indiana State Baseball] Photo Credit: ESPN+