Easton Breyfogle injury update: Arizona outfielder leaves game after massive collision in late innings vs. UNC

In the top of the eighth inning of Arizona and North Carolina‘s showdown in the Super Regional, Wildcats sophomore Easton Breyfogle was clotheslined by UNC first baseman Jackson Van De Brake while touching first base on a single. Breyfogle left the game after suffering a hard fall on the play.

North Carolina challenged the play, claiming Breyfogle had committed runner’s lane interference. However, after review, the umpires ruled that there was no interference and Breyfogle was safe.

The unusual collision between Breyfogle and Van De Brake occurred because Breyfogle hit a short grounder down the left-field line, where the UNC third baseman Gavin Gallaher scooped up the ball. Alas, Gallaher’s throw was off, forcing Van De Brake to reach toward the runner’s land and ultimately hit Breyfogle.

It was a worthy sacrifice by Breyfogle, who batted in a run on the play. Arizona built on its momentum and, as of this report, leads North Carolina 4-3. The winner of the game will advance to the Men’s College World Series.

Oregon star Anson Arroz ejected after enormous collision

The collision between Breyfogle and Van De Brake is far from the first in the NCAA Tournament this year. Controversy erupted in the Eugene Regional last weekend after Oregon catcher Anson Aroz was ejected for malicious contact in the bottom of the eighth inning against Utah Valley.

Due to his ejection, Aroz wasn’t allowed to play in Oregon’s game on the following day. Subsequently, Oregon suffered another upset loss and was eliminated.

The umpires ruled that the malicious contact occurred after Aroz ran over Utah Valley catcher Mason Strong, who attempted to tag Aroz out at home plate. Although Strong appeared to be standing in front of home plate, the umpires ruled that he didn’t commit obstruction, thus leading to their decision to eject Aroz.

Aroz had been on third base and dashed toward home after tagging up on a pop fly to left field. If the run had counted, Oregon would’ve cut Utah Valley’s lead to 6-5. Instead, Utah Valley escaped the inning still ahead by two runs, putting Oregon under immense pressure down the stretch.

The Ducks were visibly shocked by the umpires’ ruling and Oregon head coach Mark Wasikowski wasn’t shy to share his frustration. The 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year charged toward the umpires, demanding an explanation. He had to be restrained by his fellow staff members to avoid ejection.