Time Limit Trouble - Replay Review from 0-to-30 Seconds

Umpires are getting better at enforcing Replay Review's new 30-second Manager's Challenge time limit, which has resulted in a minor managerial rebellion as evidenced by Joe Girardi's press conference remarks asking for a meeting with MLB Replay shot-callers after Tom Hallion denied Girardi's late replay request, and Fieldin Culbreth's recent ejection of Brad Ausmus after Culbreth denied Ausmus' untimely review request.

The 30-second process seems simple enough: Field Timing Coordinators start 30-second clocks after each close play that might go to review. If the Manager challenges (or requests a Crew Chief Review) in that time, the play goes to Replay. If not, it doesn't.

Video: Clock counts down Jays' challenge window in Oakland as Gibbons files in the nick of time

Complicating matters, however, the clocks default to a blank setting after reaching zero seconds on the countdown, not all Field Timing Coordinators are consistent about starting the clocks after every close play (for instance, a seemingly benign no-call that might turn into a boundary issue that isn't apparent in real-time), and some situations (e.g., end of innings, pitching changes) call for the clocks to be set to times greater than 30-seconds in length.

Pre-season table of Replay Review timelines and limits.

To recap, there are several time limits pertaining to Replay Review (see attached table). The big change for 2017 concerned the introduction of a 30-second time limit for all manager review requests, regardless of game situation, while emphasizing enforcement pertaining to the various time limits already in existence for End of Inning (10 seconds to notify umpires of intent-to-consider a review, and 30 seconds to actually file the challenge or request) and End of Game (immediately) scenarios.

The following examples portray how untimely replay requests were addressed by various crews. Most recently, on Wednesday (June 7), Tom Hallion's crew refused to honor Joe Girardi's request for a review on a home run/out/fan interference play because the crew said Girardi failed to satisfy the Replay Review regulations pertaining to time limits, namely the 10-second hold time limit that follows a third out play.

End-of-Inning 10+ Second Notification Denied Case Study: Crew Hallion: With two out in the 6th inning of the Reds Sox-Yankees game, Yankees batter Chris Carter flied out to Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, who leapt at the wall and came down with the baseball in his glove. Replays indicate the batted ball first contacted a fan reaching over the wall before settling into Betts' glove, inspiring Girardi to request the umpires invoke a Crew Chief Review to consider the boundary fan interference question.

Hallion denies Girardi's untimely request.

Tom Hallion's crew ruled that Girardi failed to inform any of the umpires of his intent to review the play within 10 seconds of the inning's third out pursuant to Replay Review Regulation II.D.3, and thus denied Girardi's request.

Hallion's crew had the right idea, but the language of II.D.3 is slightly different for boundary calls, which are exempted from the Manager's Challenge and must be initiated by the Crew Chief: "In the case of a play that results in a third-out call and is subject to review at the discretion of the Crew Chief, the Crew Chief must either immediately initiate a Replay Review or signal for an Umpire conference to discuss the play while holding the defensive players on the field."

Because Hallion did not immediately initiate a Replay Review or umpire conference while holding the defensive players on the field (primarily because nobody knew of the potential of fan interference until well after the teams had already changed sides), Hallion's crew properly denied Girardi's request for an untimely Crew Chief review.

Video: Girardi requests a meeting with MLB corporate about baseball's Replay time limit rules

Andy Green is upset over late Nats challenge.

End-of-Inning 10+ Second Notification Allowed Case Study: Crew Layne: On May 26, Jerry Layne's crew entertained a Nationals challenge after the third out of an inning in which Manager Dusty Baker failed to inform the umpires of his intent to internally review the play within the 10 seconds as prescribed by rule. Like Hallion/Girardi, the closeness of the play—a neighborhood play out call at second base—was not readily apparent and, thus, evaded immediate detection by Washington's coaching staff. Opposing Manager Andy Green, not happy by the untimely turn of events, was seen silently fuming on camera during the ensuing Replay Review. Video: Nats get umpires to review play after the inning break has commenced.

30+ Second Denied Case Study: Crew Culbreth: On May 31, Culbreth denied Mets Manager Terry Collins an attempted challenge filed after the 30-second time limit had expired (37 seconds to be exact), but we wanted to wait for something a little more juicy to analyze.

Culbreth ejected Ausmus for arguing a denial.

On June 3, Culbreth in his role as Crew Chief ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus after the Detroit skipper objected to the Cubby Crew's policy (or, more accurately, the "MLB policy") of requiring a manager to file his challenge within 30 seconds of the end of the play-to-be-reviewed. Culbreth ejected Ausmus after plate umpire Manny Gonzalez, as umpire-in-chief, ruled that Ausmus waited too long to file a challenge concerning a play at first base. Timed replays indicated that Ausmus failed to request a challenge of the play until 39 seconds had elapsed since the conclusion of the play.

Pursuant to the new-for-2017 challenge decision time limit, Culbreth's crew properly denied Ausmus and Collins' requests for untimely Manager's Challenges.

Price and Girardi's late requests were rejected.

End-of-Game Denied Case Study: Crew Miller: Last season—prior to the 30-second rule—Bill Miller's crew refused to honor Reds Manager Bryan Price's attempted Manager's Challenge of a game-ending play. Similar to the Hallion/Girardi play, neither Miller nor Price knew the boundary-related play contained a potential dead ball situation until well after the play had concluded and the time limit to notify and/or file had expired. Price actually followed the umpires toward their room in an attempt to bring them back onto the field to review the play, but Miller properly denied Price's request for an untimely Manager's Challenge.

Pitching Change Allowed Case Study: Crew T Barrett: Also on Wednesday afternoon, Ted Barrett's crew honored a Manager's Challenge from Nationals Manager Dusty Baker 41 seconds after the play-to-be-reviewed had concluded, and complicated by a pitching change.

Barrett allows Baker's untimely challenge.

With one out in the top of the 8th inning of the Nationals-Dodgers game, Bryce Harper reached on a fielder's choice out, as the Dodgers tagged out baserunner R3 Trea Turner. Although Baker timely notified the umpires of his intent to internally review the play (although, because it wasn't a third out, Baker didn't need to adhere to the 10-second notification time limit), he failed to actually file his Manager's Challenge until 41 seconds after the play had ended, and only as Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen had already began jogging in from the home bullpen.

In the event of a pitching change, the Field Timing Coordinator starts a routine commercial break clock in significant excess of 30 seconds. Video: Baker's late challenge of play at the plate is honored, and the call is ultimately confirmed.

30+ Second Allowed Case Study: Crew Marquez: Also on Wednesday, acting crew chief Alfonso Marquez agreed to review a Manager's Challenge from Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny 36 seconds after the play-to-be-reviewed had concluded. Video: Matheny's late challenge of play at the plate is honored, and the call is confirmed.

30+ Second Allowed Case Study: Crew Holbrook: On June 3, Sam Holbrook honored Craig Counsell's Manager's Challenge submitted 38 seconds after the conclusion of the out/safe (tag - stolen base) play to be reviewed. Video: Counsell requests a review after time expires following the play, call confirmed. Here's an honored 33-second deliberation from June 2's game.

30+ Second Allowed Case Study: Crew Reynolds: On May 25, Jim Reynolds honored Arizona's request for a Crew Chief Review submitted 43 seconds after the conclusion of a bang-bang play at first base. Video: D-Backs request a review well after the 30-second time limit, which is granted; call stands.

Outlier Thrown Out: Crew Reynolds: As described on Monday, Clint Hurdle's skirting of the 30-second rule due to the stand-still tradition of "God Bless America" is an outlier and a seemingly acceptable exception to the 30-second time limit. Therefore, this play was thrown out of the analysis.

Benches Clear in LA After Puig's Game-Ending Strikeout

After Yasiel Puig struck out to end Tuesday's game, benches cleared in Los Angeles as Puig appeared to take exception to the manner in which winning Washington celebrated the club's victory.

Benches clear in "Loss Angeles."

With two out and one on (R2) in the bottom of the 9th inning of the Nationals-Dodgers game, Dodgers batter Puig swung at and missed a 3-2 slider from Nationals pitcher Koda Glover, resulting in a game-ending strikeout and Nationals win, 2-1. After the strikeout, Puig expressed dissatisfaction at Glover's apparent celebration, resulting in a bench-clearing incident as Ted Barrett's crew of HP Umpire Angel Hernandez, 1B Umpire Chad Whitson, and 2B Umpire Lance Barksdale joined Barrett in separating the teams; no ejections resulted as the Dodgers and umpires left the field without further incident as the Nationals resumed their infield celebration.

From past experience, we know that in Major League Baseball (unlike, for instance, the NBA), post-game ejections may result from misconduct that occurs after the final out, but while the umpires are still on the playing field.

Dan Bellino delivers a post-game ejection.

For instance, Dan Bellino ejected Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny on July 12, 2013 after the final out of that evening's Cards-Cubs game.

Earlier that month, Tony Randazzo ejected Indians SS Mike Aviles for arguing a foul ball after his at-bat (and the game) had ended, but before Randazzo and Aviles had left the field.

In September 2012, Mike Estabrook ejected Rays 1B Carlos Pena for arguing a strike three call that ended the Rangers-Rays game.

The same is true for pre-game festivities: Jerry Layne ejected Chicago's Mark Parent, for instance, during the traditional umpires-coaches pre-game plate conference and lineup card exchange.

Video via "Read More"

Charity - Joe West Crew's Nomination of Honorary Umpire Knepper Just One of Many Charitable MLBU Endeavors

Joe West's crew naming Kyle Knepper an honorary umpire in St. Louis is one of many instances of charity amongst the Major League men in black and blue.

West's crew poses with honorary ump Kyle.

Knepper, an aspiring umpire since a young age, lost his right leg in a car crash and underwent a series of surgeries and rehabilitation, regaining the ability to stand thanks to a prothetic. As Cardinals Insider tells it, "Veteran umpire Joe West heard about Kyle's journey. He had Kyle become the honorary umpire for a game against the Reds. This was a dream made real for Kyle."

Explained Kyle, "I'm working as hard as I can to get back [to umpiring] as soon as possible. Getting on the field: All I care about is getting on the field this summer."

It's all part of umpires in the community, and most recently saw Tom Hallion's crew host a selection of young Phillies fans in conjunction with Casey Cares, a Mid-Atlantic organization that provides uplifting programs for families with critically ill children.

Hallion demonstrates the plate umpire's job.

Hallion's hosting duties were supported by UMPS CARE Charities, founded by Major League umpires and whose staff still features retired umpire Gary Darling as President, Marvin Hudson as Vice President, Jim Reynolds as Secretary, and Chris Guccione, Adrian Johnson, Tim Timmons, Jim Wolf, Umpire Supervisor Larry Young, and even Ump-Attire/Score 451 Sports' Jim Kirk as At-Large members of the Board of Directors.

UMPS CARE's activities range from in-Stadium tours to hospital visits, ticket donations, charity golf tournaments, auctions, and scholarship programs.


Find out more about UMPS CARE Charities at http://www.umpscare.com | Videos via "Read More"

God Bless America Extends Replay Challenge Time Limit

The singing of God Bless America allowed Clint Hurdle to bypass MLB's 30-second Replay Review time limit during Sunday's Pirates-Mets game in New York, thanks to the patriotic tradition of standing at attention during the song's playing.

God Bless America Loophole Allows Pirates Extra Time to Decide to Challenge Play

Reynolds explains the sequence to Collins.

With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 7th inning, Pirates batter John Jaso hit a ground ball to Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores, who threw to second baseman Neil Walker to retire Pirates baserunner R1 Josh Harrison, onto first baseman Lucas Duda to retire batter Jaso for an apparent double play to end the frame.

Immediately after the third out, as stadiums tend to do, the Mets gameday entertainment team began the Citi Field mid-inning entertainment program, which, because the inning break happened to be the middle of the 7th inning on a Sunday, featured the traditional singing of God Bless America ahead of the ordinary seventh-inning stretch staple, Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Due to the unique patriotic nature of "God Bless America," fans, players, and other stadium personnel were asked to stand and remove hats for the duration of the song, as is tradition, while the TV feeds went to break.

Pursuant to Replay Review Regulation II.E.1 ("Inning-Break Mechanics"), broadcasters ordinarily will not go to commercial until the Field Timing Coordinator starts the ballpark timer to commence the inning break. However, Regulation II.E.1 contains an exception: "the case of a special inning-break activity or event approved by the Commissioner's Office (e.g., 'God Bless America') in which case the inning-break will commence at the conclusion of the activity or event." Thus, with God Bless America on the mid-7th docket, the Field Timing Coordinator wasn't planning on starting the ballpark timer until the conclusion of the song, which kept the TV trucks in the dark as to whether the inning was really over: the standing around "dead time" that accompanied the patriotic tune only complicated matters. By the letter of the (outdated) law, the broadcasts should not have gone to break until after the conclusion of God Bless America...but they did.

Hurdle waits until after the song to challenge.

The Pirates—who were considering filing a Manger's Challenge of the play at second base and legally communicated their intent-to-review the play within 10 seconds of the final out (after a third out, teams have 10 seconds to communicate their intent-to-review, and 30 seconds to decide whether to challenge)—were unable to actually complete this second phase and file the Manager's Challenge during the stand-still-and-observe song, which spanned approximately one-and-a-half minutes in duration and served as a de facto suspension of the 30-second time limit.

Yet, thanks to the location of the team's video coordinator in the clubhouse video room, removed from the pageantry of "God Bless America" and its idle observation, Pittsburgh benefitted from over a minute of extra review time before Clint Hurdle could finalize with HP Umpire Jim Reynolds his decision to challenge 2B Umpire Lance Barrett's out call at second base.

Reynolds and Barrett are joined by Mr. Met.

The review itself—from the moment Reynolds and Lance Barrett applied the headsets until their removal—was fairly short (Barrett's headset was on for about 15 seconds), as the Replay Official, like Pittsburgh, had also been reviewing the play during the lengthy God Bless America, resulting in an overturned ruling and placement of Harrison back at second base—and of New York back on defense—as Replay determined that Walker had failed to properly tag second base: An out in the days of the Neighborhood Play, the rules-correct call in the era of modern Replay Review is "safe."

This is not the first time God Bless America has disrupted a Manager-Umpire interaction, though it is the first time GBA has interacted with expanded Replay Review. In May 2013, a dispute between Umpire Tom Hallion, Indians center fielder Michael Bourn, and Manager Terry Francona carried into a Sunday 7th inning stretch at Fenway Park, wherein the three men halted their disagreement during the song. Said Francona, "I told Tom Hallion, "I came out here to yell at you and now I've got to honor America with you.'"

Over the past week, the Mets came face-to-face with MLB's 30-second Replay Review time limit, as Fieldin Culbreth denied Terry Collins' attempt to challenge a play after the expiration of the 30-second window.

On Saturday, Culbreth ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus after a similar untimely Replay Review request was denied. Replays indicate Ausmus took 39-seconds to decide to file a challenge, in excess of the time limit.

Video via "Read More"

Simple Advantage in the Replay Era - Third Base Dugouts

An overturned neighborhood play, delayed out call, and beneficial dugout placement at Petco Park allowed a baserunner to advance to third base following a successful replay challenge by the visiting team in San Diego.

LeMahieu, at the last second, stays at third.

With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 8th inning of Saturday's Rockies-Padres game, Rockies baserunner DJ LeMahieu was awarded third base after a neighborhood play ruling was overturned from out to safe at second base, and LeMahieu innocently ended up at third base, just outside of his club's dugout.

After Padres shortstop Chase d'Arnaud spun and threw while coming across second base, LeMahieu appeared to trot back towards the Rockies' third base dugout, going so far as to remove his helmet to hand to 3B Coach Stu Cole before ultimately deciding to put his helmet back on and remain on third base, as the Padres thought nothing too odd about an apparently-retired Rockies baserunner jogging in the direction of his dugout.

Complicating matters, 2B Umpire Tripp Gibson did not appear to make a safe or out call until after the play was complete, and only after Padres first baseman Will Myers appeared to look toward Gibson for a ruling, which Gibson obliged by mechanizing an out call.

Yet, because LeMahieu stood at third base, the Replay Official awarded him third, ruling that LeMahieu had legally run the bases and advanced to third base in spite of the erroneous out call.

Replay Review Regulation IV.A.3 delineates several factors to consider when placing runners, including: "(a) the depth of fly balls; (b) the speed of runners; (c) the location of runners on the field when the play occurred; (d) the number of outs at the time of the play; and (e) whether the incorrect call affected the subsequent behavior or conduct of the offensive or defensive players."

Neighborhood play = Runner safe at second.

For the LeMahieu play, (a) does not apply, nor should (b) as LeMahieu didn't exactly sprint to third base. The third out precluded San Diego from attempting a play at third base (as did LeMahieu's status as having been called out at second base), though LeMahieu did physically wind up standing on third base, even if by accident. Finally, determining the incorrect call's affect on the players' subsequent behavior is complicated by the delayed out call: Myers looked toward second base, apparently unsure of what to do with no call having been made, while LeMahieu simply continued jogging to third base.

Regulation IV.A.2 states, "The Replay Official shall place the base runners on the bases he believes they would have reached had the reviewed call been made correctly...Any doubt regarding the placement of runners should be resolved in favor of the last base legally touched at the time of the challenged call. More than one base should not be awarded unless it is obvious to the Replay Official that a runner would have safely advanced beyond one base had the call been made correctly, or the Official Baseball Rules otherwise require such advancement."

Signal the out, even if play has left the area.

Lesson learned: When building a stadium, increase that home-field advantage by placing the home dugout on the third base side of the field, and, at the end of an inning, always stand on third base. Two outs and a runner on third? Yes, please.

Second lesson learned: Always make a call, unless instructed by rule or mechanic not to (such as in the immediate aftermath of a double-missed tag where the catcher fails to tag the runner, who in turn fails to touch home plate).

It might seem silly to indicate a closed fist after the play has seemingly left the area, but it will prevent confusion later on as players may look back for an umpire's judgment ruling relative to a pulled foot or timing issue.

As the MLB Umpire Manual states, "Umpires shall make a signal on all calls with the exception of 'ball.' Signals are to be visible, crisp, and clear. Voice calls should be clearly audible...Signals should not be slow to the point of appearing uncertain or causing confusion for the fans and media."

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Close Quarters - Carlson Collides with Iglesias on Tag Play

2B Umpire Mark Carlson collided with Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias during a stolen base tag attempt at second, ultimately resulting in an out call and a fortuitous avoidance of injury. The point of discussion, naturally, is whether a collision could have reasonably been avoided.

Carlson's face barely avoids Iglesias' cleat.

Positioning Discussion
With a runner on first base, the second base umpire is ordinarily positioned within the infield in what is known as "Deep B" or "Deep C." The reference for this is the MLB Umpire Manual's General Principles for four-man umpiring mechanics: "Whenever runner(s) are on base (other than a runner on 3rd base only), the 2nd base umpire will set up inside at 2nd base. The 2nd base umpire may work on either side of 2nd base, depending on which side the umpire feels more comfortable."

For more on midfield umpire positioning, see Much About Second Base & Stolen Pickoff Positioning.

Diagram of ordinary umpire positioning.

For the play at hand, Carlson is positioned at Deep B, as prescribed by MLBUM mechanic. He reads the impending play at second base and takes a read step toward the anticipated action area. The throw from Tigers catcher John Hicks is slightly offline towards the right field side of second base, and as Iglesias moves across the base to retrieve it and tag baserunner Yolmer Sanchez, he collides with the sliding runner, pinballing directly into umpire Carlson, who himself has made a position adjustment in order to better see the tag play.

Umpire Mark Carlson mixes with SS Iglesias.

In analyzing the sequence as it occurred, as is evident in the situation of most missed calls (yes, Carlson's out call here was the correct call), the mishap here occurs as the result of a defensive miscue: if catcher Hicks doesn't throw offline and require Iglesias to make an athletic play, and if baserunner Sanchez's chosen slide doesn't keep his torso elevated through the collision with Iglesias, then the collision with Carlson never happens.

The final piece of the puzzle is to bring forth past evidence to show that sometimes, as an umpire moves into position to observe a play and make a call, the involved player's movements—which usually occur when that player spins out of control due to a collision with some other object—will ensnare the calling umpire simply because of the close quarters that exist when each actor is performing an appropriate function: the defense is attempting to retire a runner, the runner is attempting to legally advance, and the umpire is attempting to adjudicate the play.

Angels runner Hunter accidentally spikes Gibson.

Recall the 2012 injury to home plate umpire Greg Gibson, whom baserunner Torii Hunter inadvertently spiked in the face while sliding/tumbling into home plate. Like Iglesias bouncing off of Sanchez, Hunter similarly bounced off the ground, causing his leg and cleat to swing wildly towards Gibson. Fortunately, on Sunday, Carlson was able to quickly jump backwards and out of the way of Iglesias' left cleat.

Rules Discussion
Though Official Baseball Rule 6.01(f) Comment authorizes umpire interference in the case of a plate umpire hindering a catcher's throw to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pick-off play, or a fair batted ball touches any umpire on fair territory before passing a fielder, 6.01(f) states, "If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach, or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is alive and in play" (see Umpire Interference). If a player collides with the umpire, the ball is similarly alive and in play.

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2017 No-Hitter 1, Bill Miller (1; Edinson Volquez)

HP Umpire Bill Miller called Marlins pitcher Edinson Volquez's no-hitter against the Diamondbacks, the first of 2017. Miller was joined for Saturday's Diamondbacks-Marlins game by 1B Umpire Kerwin Danley, 2B Umpire Todd Tichenor, and 3B Adam Hamari. This is Miller's first career MLB no-hitter.

Miller received 63 callable pitches from Volquez, a total of 36 balls and 27 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 35 called balls outside of strike zone / 1 called ball within strike zone = 35/36 = 97.2% Accuracy.
Strikes: 23 called strikes inside strike zone / 4 called strikes outside strike zone = 23/27 = >90.0% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score for Volquez = 58/63 = 92.1% Accuracy (+3 in favor of Volquez).
Overall Game Score: 82/85 Balls + 38/45 Strikes = 120/130 = 92.3% +2 MIA. Plots via "Read More"

MLB Ejection 060 - Fieldin Culbreth (2; Brad Ausmus)

1B Umpire Fieldin Culbreth ejected Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus (denied Replay Review - exceeded 30-second time limit) in the bottom of the 1st inning of the White Sox-Tigers game. With one out and two on (R1, R2), Tigers batter Victor Martinez hit 2-2 slider from White Sox pitcher Miguel Gonzalez on the ground to second baseman Yolmer Sanchez, who threw to first baseman Matt Davidson as Martinez arrived at first base. Replays indicate Davidson caught the ball and tagged first base prior to Martinez's arrival and that Ausmus took longer than 30 seconds in determining whether to challenge the play (replays indicate he took approximately 39 seconds to decide), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 10-1.

This is Fieldin Culbreth (25)'s second ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Fieldin Culbreth now has 9 points in the UEFL Standings (5 Previous + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 9).
Crew Chief Fieldin Culbreth now has -3 points in Crew Division (-4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = -3).
*MLB introduced a 30-second time limit for Replay Review challenge decisions prior to the season.

This is the 60th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 32nd Manager ejection of 2017.
This is Detroit's 2nd ejection of 2017, T-1st in the AL Central (CWS, DET, KC, MIN 2; CLE 0).
This is Brad Ausmus' first ejection since August 27, 2016 (Mike Everitt; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Fieldin Culbreth's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since June 1 (Terry Collins; QOC = Y-C [Interference]).

Wrap: Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, 6/3/17 | Video via "Read More"

WCWS - UCLA Coach Ejected, Bumps Plate Umpire

Already ejected, UCLA's Lisa Fernandez bumped HP Umpire Erin Peterson after a wild double play at the Women's College World Series on Saturday. Fernandez will now face possible suspension.

Fernandez appears to shove Umpire Peterson.

With one out and two on (R1, R3) in the top of the 6th inning of the Bruins-Aggies game, Bruins baserunner R1 Bubba Nichols attempted to steal second base in a delayed-steal tactic wherein baserunner R3 Gabrielle Maurice broke for the plate as Nichols became involved in a rundown situation between first and second base. Seeing Maurice's sprint toward home, Aggies shortstop Kristen Cuyos threw to catcher Ashley Walters, who applied a tag to Maurice's helmet, resulting in a collision, while Nichols continued running the bases. Walters then threw the ball to third baseman Riley Sartain, who threw to second baseman Kaitlyn Alderink with the tag of Nichols for the final out of the inning.

NCAA Softball Rule 12.13.1 (Collisions) states, "A defensive player shall not block the base, plate or baseline without possession of the ball or not in the immediate act of catching the ball if it impedes the runner." Replays indicate Walters did not block the plate without being in the immediate act of catching the ball and that both runners were tagged while off base, the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Bruins were leading, 3-1. UCLA ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

Following the play, HP Umpire Peterson ejected UCLA Assistant 1B Coach Fernandez (out call), and Fernandez responded by appearing to push Peterson after being ejected. NCAA Softball Misconduct Rule 13.3 states, in part, "Any threat of physical intimidation or harm, including pushing, shoving, spitting, kicking, throwing at or attempting to make aggressive physical contact, or use of equipment in a combative manner, shall not be tolerated and is grounds for a behavioral ejection combined with suspension...The perpetrator shall be ejected and then suspended from the institution’s next two previously scheduled and played contests in a traditional season (spring)."

Wrap: UCLA Bruins vs. Texas A&M Aggies (WCWS), 6/3/17 | Video via "Read More"

MiLB - Raul Moreno's Brawl of Timber Rattlers and Chiefs

The Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Peoria Chiefs' bench-clearing brawl drew ejections from umpire Raul Moreno, as he and partner Matt Cowan became the second umpiring crew in the Midwest League to break up a 50-player fight in less than a week, following umpires Jason Johnson and James Folske's Whitecaps-Dragons brawl on May 28.

HP Umpire Raul Moreno restrains Harrison.

With two out and none on in the top of the 5th inning, Timber Rattlers batter Monte Harrison took an inside fastball from Chiefs pitcher Jordan Hicks for a hit-by-pitch. After being hit in the upper back by the pitch, Harrison spiked his bat, drawing an adversarial response from Chiefs catcher Andrew Knizner as the benches began to clear, resulting in a physical altercation near home plate.

Following the fight, Harrison and Knizner were ejected; it was the first hit batsman of the game. A subsequent HBP in the bottom of the 5th inning came and went without incident.

Wrap: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers vs. Peoria Chiefs (Class-A), 6/1/17 | Video via "Read More"