FAYETTEVILLE — An umpire misapplied a rule during Arkansas' 13-2 win over Auburn on Saturday that led to the Razorbacks scoring a run in the first inning.
Third base umpire Jeff Head incorrectly allowed two Arkansas runners to advance into scoring position with one out in the inning after he ruled Auburn third baseman Josh Anthony intentionally dropped a bunt that was popped up by the Razorbacks' Casey Martin.
Anthony picked up the ball, stepped on third and threw to second for an attempted double play. Amid confusion by players on both sides, Head told the base runners, Jax Biggers and Eric Cole, to advance when they should have been told to stay at their respective bases, said Paul Guilli, the SEC's coordinator of umpires.
"Intentionally dropped ball was called, however they misapplied the rule," Guilli said in a statement that was distributed by an Arkansas spokesperson. "Runners should have returned."
Arkansas' Luke Bonfield singled in the next at-bat to score both runners, but only Biggers would have been in position to score had the drop rule been applied correctly.
Head, a veteran umpire who worked the College World Series last season, served as the crew chief and had an eventful night. He was summoned to the replay booth three times and overturned a pair of calls, both involving Arkansas hitters who were incorrectly ruled out at first base. The overturned calls led to Arkansas runs in the third and sixth innings.
A foul ball by Bonfield in the second inning was upheld after replay checked to see whether it hit the foul pole for a home run.
The SEC is using replay on an experimental basis this season. The replay rules allow coaches two challenges each game, and various plays can be initiated by umpires during the game.
"Bottom line, you're supposed to try to get the call right and the umpires have been great about it, to be honest with you," Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. "It's worked out. We've been wrong and we've asked for a couple things that haven't happened. A couple got changed tonight and helped us score a couple of extra runs.
"The umpires have been real professional. They just want to get the call right."