MLB Ejections 021-2 - Alex MacKay, Alan Porter (CIN x2)

2B Umpire Alex MacKay ejected Reds 1B Coach Collin Cowgill and 3B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Reds manager Terry Francona (Replay Review decision that upheld MacKay's out [tag] play at second base on Blake Dunn's stolen base attempt; QOCY) in the top of the 11th inning of the #Reds-#Braves game. With two out and one on, Reds baserunner R1 Dunn attempted to steal second base on a first-pitch fastball from Scott Blewett to Reds batter Rece Hinds, ruled a strike by HP Umpire Brian Walsh, as Reds catcher Drake Baldwin threw to second baseman Ozzie Albies as Dunn slid into second base, ruled out by 2B Umpire MacKay. After Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Reds manager Francona, the call was upheld. Replays indicate Albies did not obstruct Dunn by virtue of gaining possession of the baseball before blocking the runner's path to second base, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 4-4. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 5-4, in 11 innings.

This is Alex MacKay (9)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s 1st ejection of 2025.

*The Official Baseball Rules define obstruction as "the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner." Accordingly, while it remains illegal for a fielder not yet in possession of the ball to block the runner's path into a base by placing a leg/knee/foot in the runner's way, it is not illegal for a fielder who has already gained possession of the ball to block the runner in this way. 

Related Post: Obstruction Calls Are 2024's Point of Emphasis (2/14/24).

These are the 21st and 22nd ejection reports of the 2025 MLB regular season.

This is the 6th coach & 9th manager ejection of 2025. Ejection Tally: 9 Managers, 6 Coaches, 7 Players.

This is Cincinnati's 1/2nd ejection of 2025, 1st in the NL Central (CIN, STL 2; CHC, MIL 1; PIT 0).

This is Collin Cowgill's 1st ejection since April 18, 2015 (Paul Nauert; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Terry Francona's 1st ejection since August 5, 2023 (Mark Wegner; QOC = U [Fighting]).

This is Alex MacKay's 1st ejection since August 13, 2023 (Rob Thomson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Alan Porter's 1st ejection since September 22, 2024 (Alex Cora; QOC = Y-c [Obstruction]).

Wrap: Cincinnati Reds vs Atlanta Braves, 5/8/25 | Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Ejections aplenty after MacKay's obstruction no-call on Albies' base blocking on Dunn