New Video Angle Proves Georgia Tech Pitcher’s College Softball Tantrum Was Completely Out Of Line

Georgia Tech pitcher Sydnie Watts was not happy with the college softball officiating crew during the NCAA Tournament regional matchup against Florida. She thought she had recorded an inning-ending strikeout with a pitch on the corner of the plate.

The home plate umpire called it a ball.

This specific pitch has been the topic of widespread debate within the college softball community over the last few days. A new angle of the play has emerged and adds another wrinkle to the conversation.

Georgia Tech pitcher Sydnie Watts barked at the college softball umpire.

Georgia Tech made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed in the Gainesville Regional. It played its way into the regional championship game against the host team, Florida, on Sunday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets ultimately lost to the Gators by a final score of 5-2 but the score is not what matters. We are focused on just one pitch.

Sydnie Watts, a sophomore, allowed only one earned run in 3.1 innings pitched with one strikeout and four walks. It could’ve been two strikeouts with three walks if not for a questionable call at the plate.

Watts worked a 3-2 count against Florida slugger Ava Brown with two outs in the inning. She threw a fastball for what she thought was strike three and started to walk back toward the dugout. Except the home plate umpire called it a ball. Brown got a free base.

The Georgia Tech pitcher was not happy with the ruling. Watts mouthed: “that’s f—— stupid” back to her coaches and pointed down to the umpire who awarded Brown with the walk.

Was it a ball or a strike?

It appeared as though Sydnie Watts had a legitimate reason to be upset. The broadcast angle appeared to show her pitch catch the corner of the plate, right at the knees of Brown. Strike three. She’s out.

Watts certainly did not think she missed. Her body language was not subtle.