MLB Ejections 192-193 - Roberto Ortiz (2-3; PIT x2)

HP Umpire Roberto Ortiz ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (strike two call; QOCN) and 2B Adam Frazier (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Cardinals-#Pirates game. With two out and one on (R2), Frazier took a 1-1 fastball from Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and knee-high (px -1.08, pz 1.56), the call was incorrect.* After Hurdle's ejection for arguing the strike two call, Frazier took a 1-2 fastball from Flaherty for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.42, pz 1.45 [sz_bot 1.46 / RAD 1.34]), the call was correct.^ At the time of both ejections, the Cardinals were leading, 2-0. The Cardinals ultimately won the contest, 2-0.

These are Roberto Ortiz (40)'s second and third ejections of 2019.
Roberto Ortiz now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Prev + 2*[2 AAA] - 4 QOCN + 2 QOCY = 11).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 16 points in Crew Division (15 Previous + 0 QOCN + 1 QOCY = 16).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*The 1-1 pitch was located 1.99 horizontal inches from being deemed a correct call.
^The 1-2 pitch was located 2.32 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 192nd and 193rd ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 87th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is the 95th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Frazier was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is Pittsburgh's 11/12th ejection of 2019, 2nd in the NL Central (CIN 23; PIT 12; MIL 8; CHC 7; STL 3).
This is Adam Frazier's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 4th ejection of 2019, 1st since July 27 (H Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Roberto Ortiz's 2/3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 22 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 9/8/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 136 - Hunter Wendelstedt (3; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 1st inning of the Pirates-Mets game. With two out and none on, Pirates batter Starling Marte took a 1-2 sinker from Mets pitcher Steven Matz for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the waist (px -0.80, pz 2.66) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Hunter Wendelstedt (21)'s third ejection of 2019.
Hunter Wendelstedt now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Marvin Hudson now has 2 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
This pitch was located 1.368 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 136th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 69th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Pittsburgh's 6th ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the NL Central (CIN 15; MIL, PIT 6; CHC 5; STL 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 10 (Brian Gorman; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Hunter Wendelstedt's 3rd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 14 (Jorge Soler; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets, 7/27/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 078-80 - Brian Gorman (1-3; PIT-ATL)

HP Umpire Brian Gorman ejected Braves 3B Josh Donaldson and Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove (fighting/unsportsmanlike conduct-NEC), and Pittsburgh Manager Clint Hurdle (arguing Musgrove's ejection; QOCU) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Pirates-Braves game. With two out and one on (R3), Donaldson took a first-pitch fastball from Musgrove for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located offer the inner edge and chest-high, contacting Donaldson in the upper portion of his uniform jersey and resulting in a bench-clearing incident; warnings had not previously been issued (first HBP of the game), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the Pirates were leading, 1-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 13-7.

These are Brian Gorman (9)'s first, second, and third ejections of 2019.
Brian Gorman now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (1 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 0 QOCU] = 7).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 10 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 3 Irrecusable Call = 10).

These are the 78th, 79th, and 80th ejection reports of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 33rd player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Musgrove's line was 0.2 IP, H, SO.
This is the 34th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Donaldson was 0-0 (HBP) in the contest.
This is the 41st Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Pittsburgh's 4/5th ejection of 2019, T-2nd in the NL Central (CIN 8; MIL, PIT 5; CHC, STL 2).
This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2019, T-1st in the NL East (ATL, WAS 4; NYM 3; MIA, PHI 1).
This is Joe Musgrove's first career MLB ejection.
This is Josh Donaldson's first ejection since Sept 5, 2017 (Marvin Hudson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Brian Gorman's first ejection since April 11, 2018 (SD-COL x5; QOC = U [Fighting]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves, 6/10/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 059 - Todd Tichenor (2; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Todd Tichenor ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (Replay Review decision that upheld 1B Umpire Tom Hallion's out call; QOCN-c) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Rockies-Pirates game. With one out and none on, Pirates batter Jake Elmore hit a 3-1 fastball from Rockies pitcher German Marquez on the ground to Marquez, who attempted to tag Elmore as he ran toward first base, ruled an out by 1B Umpire Hallion and upheld via Replay Review as the result of a Pirates Challenge by Manager Hurdle. Replays indicate that while possessing the ball in his glove, Marquez touched Elmore with his bare hand while failing to tag him with the glove, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Rockies were leading, 5-0. The Rockies ultimately won the contest, 5-0.

This is Todd Tichenor (13)'s second ejection of 2019.
Todd Tichenor now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Prev + 2 MLB - 2 Incorrect-Crewmate = 4).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).

This is the 59th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 29th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Pittsburgh's 3rd ejection of 2019, 2nd in the NL Central (CIN 7; PIT 3; CHC, MIL, STL 2).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since Sept 15, 2018 (Tripp Gibson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Todd Tichenor's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since April 19 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/21/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 164-165 - Tripp Gibson (5-6; PIT x2)

HP Umpire Tripp Gibson ejected Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli and Manager Clint Hurdle (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the Pirates-Brewers game. With one out and one on (R2), Cervelli took a 2-2 fastball from Brewers pitcher Jacob Barnes for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.456, pz 1.524 [sz_bot 1.565 / RAD 1.442]), and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Pirates were leading, 3-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 3-1.

These are Tripp Gibson (73)'s fifth and sixth ejections of 2018.
Tripp Gibson now has 22 points in the UEFL Standings (14 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 22).
Crew Chief Brian Gorman now has 16 points in Crew Division (14 Previous + 2*[1 Correct] = 16).
*This pitch was located 1.980 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 164th, 165th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 79th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Cervelli was 1-3 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 67th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Pittsburgh's 3/4th ejection of 2018, T-3rd in the NL Central (CHC 10; MIL 8; PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).
This is Francisco Cervelli's first ejection since August 27, 2015 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 28 (Mark Carlson; QOC = N-C [Replay Review]).
This is Tripp Gibson's 5/6th ejection of 2018, 1st since June 19 (Yasmani Grandal; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/15/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 051 - Mark Carlson (1; Clint Hurdle)

1B Umpire Mark Carlson ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (Replay Review decision that affirmed HP Umpire Bill Welke's bona fide slide rule violation no-call on force play at home plate; QOCN) in the top of the 8th inning of the Cubs-Pirates game. With none out and the bases loaded, Cubs batter Chris Gimenez hit a 1-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Kyle Crick on the ground to shortstop Sean Rodriguez, who threw to catcher Elias Diaz to force out Cubs baserunner R3 Anthony Rizzo, as Diaz attempted to throw to first base, resulting in a throwing error that allowed Cubs baserunners R2 Javier Baez and R1 Kyle Schwarber to score as batter-runner Gimenez advanced to second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Pirates Manager Hurdle, HP Umpire Welke's ruling that Cubs runner R3 Rizzo did not violate the slide interference rule was affirmed (call stands). Replays indicate baserunner Rizzo, by virtue of changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with catcher Diaz, did not engage in a bona fide slide, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Cubs were leading, 5-0. The Cubs ultimately won the contest, 7-0.

This is Mark Carlson (6)'s first ejection of 2018.
Mark Carlson now has -1 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB - 2 Incorrect-Crewmate = -1).
Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has -2 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = -2).
Related: MLB Ejection 153 - Mike Everitt (3; Joe Girardi) (8/27/17; another QOCN bona fide slide Replay).
Related: Video Analysis of New Bona Fide Slide FPSR Rule 6.01(j) (3/1/16; primer on this rule).

*Official Baseball Rule 6.01(j) governs slide rule interference and requires a runner to engage in a bona fide slide when sliding to bases on double play attempts. This includes home plate. The four criteria with which to determine whether a runner has engaged in a bona fide slide are (as pertains to Rizzo, green highlighting indicates he has satisfied the criterion, while red indicates a violation):
(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base [YES];
(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot [YES];
(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide [YES; N/A];
(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder [NO].

Gil's Call: Replay Review clearly erred here.

Gil's Call: In order to adjudicate this play, one must see the entirety of the replay that begins when Rizzo first commenced his run toward home plate—shortly after the shortstop fields the ball. This requires rewinding the tape to far in advance of the clip provided by the Cubs' deficient broadcast. Replays conclusively indicate that Rizzo's pathway to home plate placed him parallel to, and on the foul side of, the third base foul line. When Rizzo began his slide, he vaulted into fair territory and toward the catcher, clearly changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder. This is textbook slide rule interference and a very concerning missed call by the Replay Official. UIC Welke is 1BL extended for the force, which is fine, and why he might have not seen this in real-time. This needs to be picked up on Replay Review and indicates perhaps that more training is needed or, if baseball wants this slide to stay in the game legally, it requires a revision to the rule. One or the other: under present Rule 6.01(j), this is interference.

At the college level, the force play slide rule (NCAA 8-4) makes this really simple ("On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground before the base and in a direct line between the two bases"). Because Rizzo didn't slide directly to the base (the rule also requires his body to fit within the confines of the baseline, which it clearly does not), he and batter Gimenez would be out for FPSR interference under the NCAA code (other runners return to bases of origin).
Related Post: NCAA CWS - Force Play Slide Rule Negates LSU Run (6/27/17).

Iso: Rizzo's pathway begins in foul territory.

At the high school level, in addition to the requirement that, "on a force play, [a runner] slide in a direct line between bases" (NFHS 8-4-2-b), a plate umpire additionally may wish to consider whether a slide such as Rizzo's qualifies as malicious contact due to intentional excessive force and/or intent to injure, in the runner's attempt to break up a double play. Offensive malicious contact, by rule, is automatically interference. Though I don't believe the contact herein is malicious, it is reckless and/or negligent, and should be called interference, placing out both the runner (out on the force) and batter (out on interference) and requiring the remaining runners return to their bases of origin.

Conclusion: Because Rizzo failed to satisfy the fourth criterion of the Bona Fide Slide Rule, he committed interference with intent to break up a double play—at all levels, this should be called (either bona fide slide rule interference [pro], or FPSR interference [NCAA/NFHS]). The penalty for bona fide slide interference at the professional level is as follows (per Rule 6.01(j)):

If the umpire determines that the runner violated this Rule 6.01(j), the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter-runner out. Note, however, that if the runner has already been put out then the runner on whom the defense was attempting to make a play shall be declared out.

*IMPORTANT: This is not a violation of the home plate collision rule for one simple reason: "This Rule 6.01(i)(2) [the home plate collision rule] shall not apply to force plays at home plate."

This is the 51st ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 22nd Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Pittsburgh's 2nd ejection of 2018, 3rd in the NL Central (CHC, MIL 3; PIT 2; CIN, STL 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since April 26 (Mike Winters; QOC = Y [Out of Base Path]).
This is Mark Carlson's first ejection since June 13, 2016 (Robin Ventura; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/28/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 026 - Mike Winters (1; Clint Hurdle)

2B Umpire Mike Winters ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (out of the base path call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Tigers-Pirates game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Pirates batter Starling Marte hit a 2-1 fastball from Tigers pitcher Joe Jimenez on the ground to third baseman Niko Goodrum, who threw late to first base as baserunner R2 Adam Frazier attempted to elude Goodrum's tag. Replays indicate that baserunner Frazier initially avoided Goodrum as he fielded the batted ball by veering to the left before stopping and cutting back to his right in an effort to avoid Goorum's tag, ultimately running more than three feet out outside of his base path as established at the time of Goodrum's tag attempt, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Mike Winters (33)'s first ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
Mike Winters now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Mike Winters now has 0 points in Crew Division (-1 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).
*Official Baseball Rule 5.09(b)(1) states that a runner is out when, "He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely."
Related Post: No No-No? Out of Base Path Call Voids Potential Sox Hit (4/22/18).

For an explanation as to why 2B Umpire Winters, as opposed to 3B Umpire Tim Timmons, was able to see this play and make this call, see the following related post; U3 Timmons ruled "no tag," which was accurate because F5 Goodrum did not physically tag R2 Frazier. Naturally, confusion can arise when one umpire appears to rule "safe" while a crew-mate appears to rule "out." If two umpires make conflicting calls on the same play (unlike this present play, say U2 has "tag" and U3 has "no tag"), in general, the crew chief shall decide which call shall prevail, as in Rule 8.03(c).
Related Post: Whose Call - Runner Out of Base Path Considerations (5/17/16).

If different decisions should be made on one play by different umpires, the umpire-in-chief shall call all the umpires into consultation, with no manager or player present. After consultation, the umpire-in-chief (unless another umpire may have been designated by the League President [Ed. note, the crew chief is the designated umpire]) shall determine which decision shall prevail, based on which umpire was in best position and which decision was most likely correct. Play shall proceed as if only the final decision had been made.

This is the 26th ejection of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the ninth Manager ejection of 2018.
This is Pittsburgh's 1st ejection of 2018, 3rd in the NL Central (CHC, MIL 2; PIT 1; CIN, STL 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since September 13, 2017 (Bill Welke; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mike Winters' first ejection since October 18, 2017 (Joe Maddon; QOC = N-C [K3/Foul]).

Wrap: Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 8/26/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 174 - Bill Welke (7; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Bill Welke ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (ball four call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the Pirates-Brewers game. With one out and one on (R1), Brewers batter Neil Walker took a 3-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Tyler Glasnow for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and above the hollow of the knee (px -.017, pz 1.853 [sz_bot 1.535 / MOE 1.618]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 1-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

This is Bill Welke (3)'s seventh ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Bill Welke now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (8 Prev + 2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call = 6).
Crew Chief Bill Welke now has 0 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 0).
*This pitch was located 2.82 vertical inches from being deemed a correct call.

This is the 174th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Pittsburgh's 6th ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, MIL, PIT 6; STL 4; CHC 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's 5th ejection of 2017, 1st since August 24 (Paul Emmel; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Bill Welke's 7th ejection of 2017, 1st since July 18 (Kevin Cash; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/13/17 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 150 - Paul Emmel (5; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Paul Emmel ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (ball four call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Pirates game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Dodgers batter Chris Taylor took a 3-2 fastball from Pirates pitcher Johnny Barbato for a called fourth ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and above the midpoint (px -.185, pz 3.478 [sz_top 3.411], or .8 inches above the strike zone), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 3-1. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Paul Emmel (50)'s fifth ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Paul Emmel now has 13 points in the UEFL Standings (9 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 13).
Crew Chief Paul Emmel now has 8 points in Crew Division (7 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 8).

This is the 150th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 73rd Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Pittsburgh's 5th ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, MIL, PIT 5; STL 4; CHC 3).
This is Clint Hurdle's 4th ejection of 2017, 1st since July 14 (Jerry Layne; QOC = Y ["Time" Call]).
This is Paul Emmel's 5th ejection of 2017, 1st since June 15 (Rick Renteria; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 8/24/17 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 096 - Jerry Layne (1; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Jerry Layne ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle ("Time" call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Cardinals-Pirates game.  With none out and two on (R1, R2), Pirates batter Adam Frazier hit 0-2 splitter from Cardinals pitcher Matt Bowman on the ground to third baseman Jedd Gyorko, who threw to second baseman Kolten Wong for a double play, after which batter-runner Frazier ran to second base with no Cardinal covering as 2B Umpire Chris Guccione sent him back to first, informing him that "Time" had been called. Replays indicate that after completion of the double play, Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter requested "Time," which Guccione granted, subsequently mirrored by 1B Umpire Marvin Hudson, 3B Umpire Chad Whitson, and Layne, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Jerry Layne (24)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Jerry Layne now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 6).
Crew Chief Jerry Layne now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*Rule 5.06(c): "While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored."
OBR 5.12(b): "The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls 'Time.' The umpire-in-chief shall call “Time—(4) When a manager requests 'Time' for a substitution, or for a conference with one of his players; (5) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause."

This is the 96th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 51st Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Pittsburgh's 4th ejection of 2017, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 4; CIN, MIL, STL 3; CHC 1).
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2017, 1st since May 23 (Nic Lentz; QOC = Y [Out of Base Path]).
This is Jerry Layne's first ejection since September 21, 2016 (Craig Counsell; QOC = U [Foul/HBP]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7/14/17 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 047 - Nic Lentz (2; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Nic Lentz ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle (out of base path call) in the top of the 1st inning of the Pirates-Braves game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Pirates batter John Jaso hit a 1-2 knuckleball from Braves pitcher RA Dickey on the ground to catcher Kurt Suzuki, who attempted to tag Pirates baserunner R3 Josh Bell for the inning's third out. Replays indicate that in attempting to avoid Suzuki's tag, Bell ran more than three feet away from his base path, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 1-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 6-5.

*Rule 5.09(b)(1) states that "Any runner is out when—He runs more than three feet away from his base path to avoid being tagged unless his action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball. A runner’s base path is established when the tag attempt occurs and is a straight line from the runner to the base he is attempting to reach safely."

This is Nic Lentz (59)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Nic Lentz now has 10 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 3 AAA + 2 Correct Call = 10).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

This is the 47th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 25th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Pittsburgh's 3rd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the NL Central (PIT, STL 3; MIL 1; CHC, CIN 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since May 22 (Phil Cuzzi; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Nic Lentz's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since May 19 (Mike Matheny; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves, 5/23/17 | Videos via "Read More"

MLB Ejections 045-046 - Phil Cuzzi (2-3; Freese, Hurdle)

HP Umpire Phil Cuzzi ejected Pirates 3B David Freese & Manager Clint Hurdle (strike three call) in the top of the 4th inning of the Pirates-Braves game. With none out and none on, Freese took a 2-2 fastball from Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and knee-high (px 1.160, pz 1.74 [sz_bot 1.589]), the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Braves were leading, 2-0. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Phil Cuzzi (10)'s second, third ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Phil Cuzzi now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect Call] = 2).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This is the 45th, 46th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 24th Manager ejection of 2017.
This is the 17th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Freese was 0-2 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Pittsburgh's 1st/2nd ejection of 2017, 2nd in the NL Central (STL 3; PIT 2; MIL 1; CHC, CIN 0).
This is David Freese's first ejection since July 30, 2016 (Marty Foster; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since September 13, 2016 (Alan Porter; QOC = Y [Interference]).
This is Phil Cuzzi's 2nd/3rd ejection of 2017, 1st since May 14 (Neil Walker; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves, 5/22/17 | Videos via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 160 - Alan Porter (4; Clint Hurdle)

1B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing an interference no-call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Pirates-Phillies game. With none out and two on (R1, R3), Phillies batter Ryan Howard hit a 0-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Ivan Nova on the ground to first baseman Josh Bell, who threw to shortstop Jordy Mercer for the force out and onto second baseman Adam Frazier as Howard arrived at first base. Replays indicate Howard's foot made contact with the first base bag before the thrown ball touched Frazier's glove while umpire interference as delineated by Rule 6.01(f) did not occur, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Phillies were leading, 2-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-3.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s fourth ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Alan Porter now has 16 points in UEFL Standings (12 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 16).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 9 points in Crew Division (8 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 9).
*Although Hurdle argued that Porter interfered with Frazier's ability to field the position, there is no such rule as umpire interference with an infielder, in this regard. Umpire Interference only exists (and OBR 6.01(f) states):
(1) when a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or (2) when a fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder. Umpire interference may also occur when an umpire interferes with a catcher returning the ball to the pitcher. Umpire interference does not apply to contact between a field umpire and a non-catcher.

This is the 160th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 65th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 14th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 14; CIN 6; CHC 4; MIL 3; STL 1).
This is Clint Hurdle's 6th ejection of 2016, 1st since July 20 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = Y [Foul/INT]).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since August 6, 2016 (Jose Altuve; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 9/13/16 | Video available via "read more."

MLB Ejection 114 - Sam Holbrook (2; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a foul ball (no interference) call in the top of the 1st inning of the Brewers-Pirates game. With none out and two on (R1, R2), Brewers batter Ryan Braun hit a 1-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke into the ground in front of home plate. Replays indicate the batted ball subsequently bounced off the dirt and struck Braun in the helmet before hitting him in the shoulder as he was in a legal position with both feet within the right-handed batter's box, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 9-5.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Sam Holbrook now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has -1 points in Crew Division (-2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -1).
*OBR Rule 5.04(b)(5) states, "The batter’s legal position shall be with both feet within the batter’s box." "APPROVED RULING: The lines defining the box are within the batter’s box."
*Rule 5.09(a)(7) states that a batter is out when, "His fair ball touches him before touching a fielder. If the batter is in a legal position in the batter’s box, see Rule 5.04(b)(5) (Rule 6.03), and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, a batted ball that strikes the batter or his bat shall be ruled a foul ball."
Note: NFHS code explicitly states this play is a foul ball ("no foot entirely outside the batter's box"), while NCAA requires the batter to simply be "in the batter's box" similar to OBR; effectively, same as NFHS.

This is the 114th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 49th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 11th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 11; CIN 6; CHC 3; STL 1; MIL 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's 5th ejection of 2016, 1st since July 3 (Sam Holbrook; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Sam Holbrook's first ejection since July 3, 2016 (Clint Hurdle; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7/20/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejection 099 - Sam Holbrook (1; Clint Hurdle)

HP Umpire Sam Holbrook ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a ball two call in the bottom of the 6th inning of the Pirates-A's game. With one out and one on (R3), A's batter Jake Smolinski took a 1-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher A.J. Schugel for a called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and thigh high (px -1.194, pz 1.873) and that all pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 4-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-3.

This is Sam Holbrook (34)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Sam Holbrook now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Gerry Davis now has -4 points in Crew Division (-5 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -4).

This is the 99th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 40th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 10th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 10; CIN 5; CHC 2; STL 1; MIL 0).
This is Clint Hurdle's 4th ejection of 2016, 1st since June 28 (Ben May; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Sam Holbrook's first ejection since August 26, 2015 (Colby Rasmus; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Oakland Athletics, 7/3/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejections 088|089 - Ben May (2|3; Branson, Hurdle)

HP Umpire Ben May ejected Pirates Hitting Coach Jeff Branson and Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a strike one call in the top of the 5th inning of the Pirates-Mariners game. With none out and none on, Pirates batter Matt Joyce took a 0-0 curveball from Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma for a called first strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -.139, pz 1.634 [sz_bot 1.660 / MOE 1.577]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Mariners were leading, 2-0. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Ben May (97)'s second, third ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Ben May now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Previous + 2*[3 AAA + 2 Correct Call] = 9).
Crew Chief Mark Carlson now has 3 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 3).

This is the 88th, 89th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 34th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 8/9th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 9; CIN 5; CHC 2; MIL, STL 0).
This is Jeff Branson's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 24 (Larry Vanover; QOC = U [Throwing At]).
This is Ben May's first ejection since May 7, 2016 (AJ Hinch; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Seattle Mariners, 6/28/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejections 057|8 - Vanover (1|2; Caminero, Hurdle)

HP Umpire Larry Vanover ejected Pirates P Arquimedes Caminero and Manager Clint Hurdle for throwing at Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed in the top of the 8th inning of the Diamondbacks-Pirates game. With two out and two on, Diamondbacks batter Nick Ahmed took a 1-2 splitter from Caminero for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and head high (px -2.182, pz 4.382) and warnings had previously been issued and Ahmed was the third hit batsman of the game (Caminero's second), the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 12-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 12-1.

This is Larry Vanover (27)'s first, second ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Larry Vanover now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 6).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 3 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 2 Irrecusable Calls = 3).

This is the 57th, 58th ejection report of the 2016 regular season.
This is the 29th player ejection of 2016. Prior to ejection, Caminero's line was 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER.
This is the 24th Manager ejection of 2016.
This is Pittsburgh's 4/5th ejection of 2016, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 5; CIN 2; CHC 1; MIL, STL 0).
This is Arquimedes Caminero's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 2nd ejection of 2016, 1st since May 11 (Jeff Kellogg; QOC = U [Replay Review]).
This is Larry Vanover's first ejection since June 25, 2015 (Terry Collins; QOC = N [Out/Safe]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/24/16 | Video available via "Read more"

MLB Ejections 033-036 - Alan Porter, Jeff Kellogg (PIT-CIN)

2B Umpire Alan Porter ejected Pirates LF Starling Marte & HP Umpire Jeff Kellogg ejected Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing Replay Review (overturned call) in the top of the 6th, and HP Umpire Kellogg ejected Reds P Ross Ohlendorf and Manager Bryan Price for throwing at Pirates batter David Freese in the top of the 9th inning of the Pirates-Reds game. In the 6th, with two out and one on, Pirates baserunner R1 Starling Marte attempted to steal second base off Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart, who threw to second baseman Brandon Phillips as Marte arrived at second base. Upon Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Reds Manager Bryan Price, 2B Umpire Porter's safe call was overturned as Phillips' glove appeared to Marte's hand while Marte was not in contact with the base, the call was correct. At the time of the Pirates' ejections, the Reds were leading, 4-2. In the 9th, with two out and one on (R2), Pirates batter Freese took a 2-0 fastball from Reds pitcher Ohlendorf for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and struck Freese on the left arm, the call was irrecusable; warnings had previously been issued and there were six HBP in the game.* At the time of the Reds' ejections, the Pirates were leading, 5-4. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is Alan Porter (64)'s first ejection of the 2016 MLB regular season.
These are Jeff Kellogg (8)'s second, third, and fourth ejections of the 2016 MLB regular season.
Alan Porter now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 8).
Jeff Kellogg now has 14 pts in the UEFL Standings (6 Previous + 3*[2 MLB] + 2 QOCY + 0 QOCU = 14).
Crew Chief Jeff Kellogg now has 8 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 2 QOCY + 2 QOCU = 8).
*MLB suspended Ohlendorf 3 games, Price 1 game, for the intent HBP with warnings in effect.

These are the 33rd, 34th, 35th, and 36th ejection reports of the 2016 MLB regular season.
These are the 18th and 19th player ejections of 2016. Prior to ejection, Marte was 0-2 in the contest.
These are the 16th and 17th Manager ejections of 216.
This is the Pirates' 1/2nd ejections of 2016, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 2; CHC 1; MIL, STL 0).
This is the Reds' 1/2nd ejections of 2016, T-1st in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 2; CHC 1; MIL, STL 0).
This is Starling Marte's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's first ejection since August 2, 2015 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = U [Arguing Ejection]).
This is Ross Ohlendorf's first career MLB ejection.
This is Bryan Price's first ejection since September 9, 2015 (Bill Welke; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Alan Porter's first ejection since August 27, 2015 (Francisco Cervelli; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Jeff Kellogg's first ejection since April 8, 2016 (Dave Roberts; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, 5/11/16
Video: Replay Review produces two ejections; hit batsman takes two more later on ("Read more")

MLB Ejections 146-150: West, Reyburn (4-6, 2-3; CIN-PIT)

1B Umpire Joe West ejected Pirates 1B Sean Rodriguez, Reds 1B Joey Votto and Reds CF Marlon Byrd for fighting in the bottom of the 8th and HP Umpire DJ Reyburn ejected Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon for throwing at Reds batter Tucker Barnhart and Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing Melancon's ejection in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Pirates-Reds game. In the 8th, with one out and none on, Reds batter Phillips took a 0-0 fastball from Pirates pitcher Tony Watson for a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a bench clearing brawl during which Rodriguez, Votto and Byrd were ejected for fighting, the call was irrecusable. In the 9th, with one out and one on, Barnhart took a 0-1 cutter from Melancon for a hit-by-pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located inside and hit Barnhart in the upper torso; warnings had not previously been issued, the call was irrecusable. At the time of all ejections, the Pirates were leading, 3-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

These are Joe West (22)'s fourth, fifth, and sixth ejections of 2015.
These are DJ Reyburn (70)'s second and third ejections of 2015.
DJ Reyburn now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (4 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable] = 8).
Joe West now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-3 Previous + 3*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 3).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 15 points in Crew Division (11 Previous + 4 Irrecusable Call = 15).

These are the 146th, 147th, 148th, 149th, and 150th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
These are the 68th, 69th, 70th, and 71st player ejections of 2015.

This is the 67th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Pirates' 5/6/7th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 7; CHC, MIL, STL 5).
This is the Reds' 6/7th ejection of 2015, 1st in the NL Central (CIN, PIT 7; CHC, MIL, STL 5).
This is Sean Rodriguez's first ejection since May 25, 2014 (Larry Vanover; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Joey Votto's 2nd ejection of 2015, 1st since May 6 (Chris Conroy; QOC = U [USC-NEC]).
This is Marlon Byrd's first ejection since July 8, 2010 (Hunter Wendelstedt; QOC = Y [Check Swing]).
This is Mark Melancon's first career ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 4th ejection of 2015, 1st since July 11 (Vic Carapazza; QOC = N [HBP/Foul]).
This is Joe West's first ejection since June 2 (Mike Matheny; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is DJ Reyburn's first ejection since May 6 (Joe Maddon; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, 8/2/15
Video: Phillips is hit in the left elbow on a high inside pitch, resulting in a bench clearing brawl (CIN)
Video: Cowboy Joe ejects three players for fighting after an eighth inning HBP and bench-clearer (PIT)
Video: Melancon's up-and-in HBP of Barnhart in the 9th draws another heave-ho, argument (PIT)

MLB Ejections 124-125: Carapazza (1-2; Cervelli, Hurdle)

HP Umpire Vic Carapazza ejected Pirates C Francisco Cervelli and Manager Clint Hurdle for arguing a foul ball call in the top of the 2nd inning of the Cardinals-Pirates game. With two out and none on, Cardinals batter Mark Reynolds attempted to strike a 1-2 knuckle curve from Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett for a called foul ball, prior to hitting a home run on the succeeding pitch. Replays indicate that Reynolds' bat did not appear to contact the baseball during his swing, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Cardinals were leading, 1-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 6-5, in 14 innings.

These are Vic Carapazza (19)'s first and second ejections of 2015.
Vic Carapazza now has -4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Previous + 2*[2 MLB - 4 Incorrect] = -4).
Crew Chief Larry Vanover now has 2 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 0 Incorrect Call = 2).

These are the 124th and 125th ejections of the 2015 MLB Regular Season.
This is the 59th player ejection of 2015. Prior to ejection, Cervelli was 0-0 in the contest.
This is the 56th Manager ejection of 2015.
This is the Pirates' 3/4th ejection of 2015, 3rd in the NL Central (CIN, STL 5; PIT 4; CHC, MIL 3).
This is Francisco Cervelli's first career MLB ejection.
This is Clint Hurdle's 3rd ejection of 2015, 1st since June 14 (Cory Blaser; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Vic Carapazza's first ejections since October 4, 2014 (Matt Williams; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7/11/15
Video: Given second life, Reynolds clubs a solo homer, leading to sour grapes and two Pirate ejections (FOX)