University of Texas softball pitcher Miranda Elish suffered a scary injury during the Longhorns’ NCAA softball super regional game against host Alabama on Friday night in Tuscaloosa.
With a runner on first base, Alabama hitter Elissa Brown bunted a pitch right in front of Texas catcher Mary Iakopo – who attempted to make a play at second base.
As Iakopo went to make the throw, the umpire called the play dead after Brown stepped out of the batter’s box.
Iakopo must not have heard the umpire’s call and fired a throw to second base, but instead of making a play, the ball struck Elish in the head.
Video of the play is hard to watch.
Scary situation in Texas-Alabama softball game. Catcher's throw to second base hit Texas pitcher Miranda Elish in the face. She was down for several minutes and taken to a hospital. Reports say she is doing well and hospital trip was just a precaution. pic.twitter.com/ahYFLk0ULI
— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) May 25, 2019
Athletic trainers and medical personnel tended to Elish on the field before she was helped toward the clubhouse to a standing ovation from the crowd.
She was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
Texas head coach Mike White told ESPN between the third and the fourth innings that Elish “is hurting a little but in good spirits.”
The coach also revealed Elish will not be available for the final game of the series against Alabama.
Texas trailed 3-0 at the time Elise left the game, but the Longhorns rallied to win 7-5 and stay alive in the series.