“Umpires shouldn’t decide a game with bad calls”: Fans divided over Evansville’s upset victory against Tennessee at Knoxville Super Regional

Evansville's fairytale postseason run has reached new heights. Despite having the odds stacked against them, the Purple Aces pulled off a 10-8 upset win over the top national seed, the Tennessee Volunteers, in Game 2 of the Knoxville Super Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

While the Purple Aces kept their hopes of making the College World Series alive by tying the series at 1-1, their upset caused a stir among NCAA baseball fans.

The umpiring in the game, which saw three crucial calls overturned, frustrated some fans beyond belief, and they weren't afraid to show it on social media after the game.

"Umpires shouldn’t decide a game with bad calls. @NCAABaseball do better," said one fan.

"The umpires GAVE them game 3!!! Totally atrocious umpiring behind the plate and on review… shame on the NCAA! Stop trying to control the narrative!!! Can’t grow the game if YOU decide the winners…. Terrible," vented another fan.

Another fan added, "Hey @NCAABaseball, maybe take a look at the film and talk to this umpiring crew before game 3 in the Knoxville Super Regional. Don’t let them take anything away from Evansville like they tried to today in game 2."

Others were delighted with the Purple Aces' victory, with fans heaping praise on the team for their run.

"Absolutely zero pressure on these guys and alot can be said for that," said one fan.

"Tennessee will once again fulfill its destiny of choking as a 1 seed," added another.

Another fan said, "The SEC is Trash! The ACC is loaded… much better conference"

Tennessee Volunteers concede 10 runs in an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2001

Tennessee's strong start to Game 2 showed that they picked up from where they left off after their 11-6 Game 1 win. Following Blake Burke's RBI, Dylan Dreiling and Hunter Ensley scored solo home runs, to give them a 3-0 lead by the end of the first inning. Burke then drove in another run in the second inning to extend the Volunteers' lead.

After struggling for four innings, the Purple Aces' hitters came to life. Their comeback began in the bottom of the fourth, with Brent Widder driving in their first run of the game. Cal McGinnis then brought them within one of the Volunteers by driving in two runs before the end of the inning.

They took the lead in the bottom of the fifth, with Widder, McGinnis and Kip Fougerousse driving in a run each. Fougerousse and Brendan Hord then scored two-run home runs in the bottom of the sixth, giving the Purple Aces a 10-5 lead at the end of the inning. This was the first time in 23 years that the Volunteers conceded 10 runs in an NCAA Tournament game.

The Evansville Purple Aces' hitting line-up gave them a much-needed victory in the Knoxville Super Regional.

Although Tennessee threatened a comeback in the top of the ninth by scoring three runs, Evansville's relievers held their nerves to hand them a famous victory.

Game 3 of the Knoxville Super Regional takes place at 6:00 pm ET tomorrow. While the Volunteers are clear favorites to make consecutive College World Series appearances for the first time in their history, another Purple Aces upset cannot be ruled out following their Game 2 heroics.