USC great Michael Roth ejected during Triple-A game

Michael Roth wasn’t pitching for the Columbus Clippers on Monday night. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t involved in the game.

Roth, the former South Carolina left-hander, was ejected in the second inning for what Columbus Dispatch reporter Jim Massie described as “chirping in the dugout.”

Was there a backstory, though?

Umpire Max Guyll ejected Roth in the second inning of the Clippers’ game Monday against the Buffalo Bisons, Massie reported via Twitter. The same umpire cited Roth twice for pitch clock violations in a game May 1 at Syracuse, according to Massie.

Roth is 4-1 with a 2.17 ERA this season Triple-A Columbus (Ohio), an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He has struck out 31 and walked nine in 45 2/3 innings.

Roth said Monday night via Twitter: “Sorry guys. Had to leave the game early. The Bachelorette started at 9. Thanks Mr. Ump!”

After posting a 26-6 record and 1.91 ERA in four seasons for the Gamecocks while helping the program win a pair of national championships, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound pitcher was selected in the ninth round of the 2012 MLB draft by the Angels.

He is regarded as one of the most popular Gamecocks for both his success and outgoing personality.

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 9:32 PM.