In the midst of Milwaukee's scoring spree against Chicago, batter-runner Tyron Taylor collided with Cubs first baseman Patrick Wisdom on a play at first base, no-called by the umpires. Was this actually runner's lane interference? Article: [ Ссылка ]

In this Ask the UEFL analysis, we consult Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(11) regarding RLI, determining nearly all criteria for interference are satisfied. The only question remaining is a judgment call as to whether the runner illegally impeded the fielder taking the throw at first base or not (e.g., did the fielder simply fail to catch the ball all on his own).

Because this play occurred with a runner at third base and a soft ground ball to the pitcher charging in to field it, HP Umpire Jeremie Rehak was effectively stuck at point of plate until the pitcher either committed to throwing home to the catcher to play on R3 or to first base to play on the batter-runner. It is much more important to see a potential tag play at home plate than potential RLI at first base, all else equal.

Thus, Rehak shifted/position adjusted to first baseline extended to see the batter-runner's potential RLI violation late in the development stage of the play, which means the plate umpire was unable to observe the totality of BR's run to first base to the left of the foul line and not within the runner's lane.

Can a 1B Umpire help a crewmate in this situation? Absolutely, but not in real-time. This is the plate umpire's call, insofar as primary responsibility is concerned, so if there were to be help or information given from U1, it would have to occur during a post-play umpire conference or consultation.

Seeing as neither Cubs manager David Ross, Cubs players, or the broadcast seemed to pick up on the potential for RLI, it turns into a no-call as the expected call. This analysis is simply an after-the-fact look at what can a plate umpire, who has other responsibilities (e.g., runner from third and potential play at home plate) do when they're unable for that reason to see the totality of a potential RLI play.

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