Hit by pitch? You be the judge.
Whether or not you agree with the game-ending call in the Big Ten Championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins, it doesn’t matter. The umpire called it, and then let that call “stand” after a review, ending the regular season for the Ducks in the bottom of the 11th inning, UCLA winning 3-2.
This marks UCLA’s first Big Ten Championship in program history.
The loss was more frustrating for Oregon fans than just a tough way to end. The Ducks took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 9th inning, but gave up a 2-out hit that scored the tying run. They then got into a tough spot in the bottom of the 11th, loading the bases with no outs for the Bruins. A pair of strikeouts gave Oregon hope, but UCLA’s Phoenix Call was then “hit” by a pitch from Devin Bell, which sent the winning run to the plate, ending the game.
You be the judge.
A WALK-OFF HIT-BY-PITCH? 🤯
UCLA WINS ITS FIRST-EVER BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 11TH INNING! 😳 pic.twitter.com/OiX6pVKmeO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 24, 2026
The ball goes past Call’s shoulder, but the catcher clearly catches it without interference. With two outs, Oregon could have kept the inning alive had the call been overturned, staying in the game. However, the call “stood” after review, meaning that the umpires could not find suitable evidence to overturn it.
Ballgame. End of regular season.
Here’s a look at some Oregon fan reactions:
This is genuinely the most Oregon way to lose. https://t.co/DPnPsOKtVR
— ً (@Dubsn4) May 24, 2026
Ump: Ball
UCLA: but what if it hit me 🙁
Ump: oh. Okay take your base I can trust you I guess
— H𝐎mer (@OregonHomer) May 24, 2026
That’s So Oregon™️ pic.twitter.com/jQaJMy43tw
— Inaction Bronson, a habitual pot stirrer (@SwooshMcDuck) May 24, 2026
While frustrating for fans, the year is not done. There is a good chance that Oregon earns a hosting spot in the NCAA Tournament regional, which will be announced later on Sunday night. However, this is a sour taste to end the Big Ten Tournament on.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks lose B1G Tournament to UCLA on wildly controversial call
