Fernandez bumps umpire; UCLA beats Texas A&M

OKLAHOMA CITY — UCLA assistant coach Lisa Fernandez might have made the play of the day for the Bruins.

Fernandez was ejected in the sixth inning after protesting a play at home plate involving UCLA’s Gabrielle Maurice and Texas A&M catcher Ashley Walters. A throw home led Walters to tag Maurice in the face.

Fernandez argued there should have been an obstruction call, and she bumped the home plate umpire.

The fired-up Bruins scored five runs in the seventh and beat Texas A&M 8-2 on Saturday in the Women’s College World Series elimination game.

Bruins coach Kelly Inouye-Perez liked what she saw from her team after the incident.

“You can have big debates about what momentum is, but I think what you got to see is there was a real strong belief in having each other’s backs.

UCLA assistant coach Lisa Fernandez (right) argues after home plate umpire Erin Peterson ejected her during the Women’s College World Series game against Texas A&M. That’s something that is very, very powerful. “We know that we’re in a battle, and anytime somebody potentially is put in position to get hurt or in any position that may put themselves in a need for somebody to have their backs, this team steps up.”

Maurice didn’t have Sarah Phipps / The Oklahoman via AP

much to say about the play.

“Texas A&M is a great program, a talented pitcher, a really great catcher,” she said. “It’s a tough play to make and judge. We’re just here to play ball.”

Inouye-Perez appreciated Fernandez standing up for Maurice. She said she was disappointed there was no obstruction call because of the risk Maurice had to take to try and reach the plate.