The Selma Times-Journal

Selma’s aspirations of participating in the Dixie Majors state tournament dwindled Friday and Saturday.

The Majors lost 2-0 to Belingrath Friday, then fell 5-3 to Auburn Saturday. The Auburn loss included some extra salt for Selma’s wound.

Selma Majors coach Murray Austin and player J.R. Lowe were asked to leave the field and stadium in the sixth inning. Lowe was ejected Friday night. Ejected players must serve a one-game suspension the following game.

The umpire believed a Selma player yelled, &8220;you’re crazy&8221; in his direction, and sought the player out. Nobody knew who said it, and the umpire threatened to throw players out. Lowe took the fall.

Austin believed the umpire reacted too quickly.

Lowe pinch-hit for right fielder Umang Patel in the fourth inning of Saturday’s game against Auburn. The mistake was not discovered until the sixth inning &045; two innings after a Lowe pinch-hit single.

The rule was discussed at the 8:30 a.m. credentials meeting Friday. Austin was not present because Selma’s game was more than four hours later. Tracy Williams, program director for Selma Parks and Recreation, attended the meeting in Austin’s stead.

Widespread confusion followed the removal. Some fans believed the game was awarded to Auburn by forfeit. However, the game was played to completion.

Following the incident, Selma had an opportunity to make the comeback. Down 5-3, Selma had two baserunners but couldn’t capitalize.

Selma fell to Westside (Mobile) 6-2 in game two Saturday evening. The team finishes play today, but will not have a chance to win the tournament.