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ESPN broadcaster mistakenly calls Oral Roberts’ dramatic CWS HR as walk-off winner vs. TCU

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

One ESPN broadcaster had a chance to call a particularly memorable play in College World Series action Friday evening. Unfortunately, that call did not quite go as planned.

In the game between Oral Roberts and TCU, the Horned Frogs carried a 5-2 lead into the top of the 9th inning after scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th. That set up TCU with a chance to shut things down, but Oral Roberts had other plans.

The Golden Eagles rallied for 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning to take a 6-5 lead and keep their hopes alive. The crucial moment of the inning was a 3-run blast from Blaze Brothers, an iconic blast for the 9-hole hitter in the CWS.

ESPN’s Karl Ravech was on the mic and called the majestic home run as a thrilling walk-off. The only problem? It was the top of the 9th inning:

“This one is hammered, deep to left field, did he do it? Yes sir! Walk-off HR, the 9-hitter Blaze Brothers! And Oral Roberts rallies and wins it — TCU I should say in a walk-off. Top-half, that’s right, not bottom (of the 9th),” said Ravech in all the excitement.

While TCU did not go quietly in the 9th inning, Oral Roberts was able to hang on for a 6-5 win in the opening round of CWS action. We’ll see how the two teams respond moving forward in Omaha.

Social media’s reaction

There have certainly been worse calls of key moments over the years, but whiffing on a “walk-off” in the top of the 9th inning is certainly notable, especially in the CWS. Social media had a number of reactions to the call.

Take a look:

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.

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