A college baseball game between two rival Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools turned frightening when a foul ball struck one of the officials. During a matchup between Alabama and Vanderbilt at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a pitch in the second inning led to a dangerous moment.
Alabama player Brennan Holt fouled off a pitch from Commodores pitcher Brennan Seiber. The ball, as captured on the broadcast, shot directly into the face mask of home plate umpire Scott Kennedy. Kennedy staggered and then collapsed backward onto the ground after his mask was knocked off his face.
After falling, the umpire lay motionless for several minutes as trainers from both teams rushed behind home plate to assist him. Medical staff tended to Kennedy until he was able to walk off the field under his own power.
Second base umpire Anthony Perez replaced Kennedy behind home plate for the remainder of the game. The contest was delayed for approximately 15 minutes to address the situation.
An Alabama spokesperson told the New York Post that Kennedy was 'doing better' after the game. An official update on his health has yet to be provided. 'I think first and foremost, you're just hoping Scott's OK, you know, and I think just get a report from our trainer,' Crimson Tide head coach Rob Vaughn told reporters following the game. 'I think he's OK, and he's doing better.'
Alabama outlasted Vanderbilt 5-0 to win the game after Kennedy left the field.
