Odd play interrupts TCU coach’s in-game interview, earns him love on Twitter

TCU’s head coach Kirk Saarloos became a favorite while on the mic during in-game interviews during the College World Series.

In the first interview of the series, last Friday, TCU’s Cole Fontenelle hit a go-ahead home run.

He then asked Fontenelle about his hit, playing the role of the media.

Fast forward to the Frogs’ rematch with Oral Roberts on Tuesday, Saarloos was back on the mic.

It turned out to be good timing, with some interesting activity going on during the inning.

“Am I going to have to get upset about this one,” asked Saarloos at the end.

He also begged the question whether he could ask the TV announcers if he should challenge a play or not.

TCU’s speedy outfielder Elijah Nuñez stole third after Saarloos predicted he would.

Then, when the Oral Roberts pitcher was called for a balk after he threw a pickoff move to third base, Saarloos offered more live opinions.

A balk was called, advancing Nuñez in to score. The call was later reviewed, ruling that there was no balk, because the pitcher stepped off of the mound, but the throw to the base was “non-competitive” because the third baseman wasn’t covering the base.

So, Nuñez stayed at third, but the TCU batter was awarded first base because the non-pitch resulted in a pitch-clock violation. The violation was the fourth ball, making it a walk.

After the game, Saarloos said being interviewed didn’t bother him because he doesn’t do too much while the team is hitting, despite the craziness that occurred.

He focused on the players’ ability to refocus on an important game in Omaha after such a confusing series of events.

“The big thing was being able to overcome that and figuring out a way to score some more runs,” said Saarloos.

A lot of tweets have been sent against the idea and practice of in-game interviews. However, when Saarloos is on the mic, it seems to be alright.

He even has fans from opposing teams giving him love for his unique commentary.

Even in an elimination game full of tension, Saarloos remained relaxed and casual while talking to the ESPN announcers.

TCU’s former head coach, Jim Schlossnagle, has been no stranger to in-game interviews. However, his normally don’t end as well as those of Saarloos.

Schlossnagle’s interviews have been filled with dropped fly balls, errant throws and other misfortunes.

It’s happened to other coaches, too. Vanderbilt’s head coach Tim Corbin was on the headset while his team was pitching. A home run against his team spoiled the mood.

TCU beat Oral Roberts 6-1 in their elimination matchup, so the Frogs will face No. 2 Florida on Wednesday.

It’s a solid bet that Saarloos will be back on the headset sometime during that game, too.