MLB Ejection 105 - Mark Ripperger (1; Willy Adames)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Brewers SS Willy Adames (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Brewers-#Rockies game. With one out and the bases loaded, Brewers batter Adames took a 1-2 slider from Rockies pitcher Dakota Hudson for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and above the knee (px 0.46, pz 1.83 [sz_bot 1.66]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 2-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 3-0.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st ejection of 2024.

*This pitch was located 4.44 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 105th ejection of the 2024 MLB regular season.

This is the 38th player ejection of 2024. Prior to ejection, Adames was 0-3 (3 SO) in the contest.

Ejection Tally: 53 Managers, 14 Coaches, 38 Players.

This is Milwaukee's 6th ejection of 2024, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 6; CHC, PIT, STL 4; CIN 3).

This is Willy Adames' 1st ejection since April 29, 2023 (Adam Beck; QOC = Y [Pitch Clock]).

This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since May 8, 2023 (Jean Segura; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Milwaukee Brewers vs Colorado Rockies, 7/3/24 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 050 - Mark Ripperger (1; Jean Segura)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Marlins 3B (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the #Marlins-#Diamondbacks game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Segura took a 1-2 fastball from Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner edge of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.82, pz 1.42 [sz_bot 1.51 / RAD 1.39]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 1-1 .The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 5-2.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st ejection of 2023.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 1.12 horizontal and 1.32 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the 50th ejection report of the 2023 MLB regular season.

This is the 22nd player ejection of 2023. Ejection Tally: 23 Managers, 22 Players, 5 Coaches.

This is Miami's 4th ejection of 2023, 1st in the NL East (MIA 4; PHI 3; ATL, NYM 1; WAS 0).

This is Jean Segura's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since August 24, 2022 (JP Crawford; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs Arizona Diamondbacks, 5/8/23 | Video as follows:

Bickford Balk in Mets-Dodgers and the Double Step

Upon entering a bases loaded jam vs New York, Dodgers relief pitcher Phil Bickford immediately balked in a Mets run, with HP Umpire Mark Ripperger explaining to Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts after the play why the balk was called. With history repeating itself—albeit in a different but equally illegal way—we revisit the Carter Capps rule that explicitly outlaws Bickford's footwork.

With none out and the bases loaded, Roberts substituted Bickford into the game. Ahead of his first pitch to Mets batter Francisco Lindor, Bickford working out of Set Position appeared to step twice with his free foot while transitioning from the stretch. Ripperger immediately pointed to the balk infraction, but allowed Bickford to continue with his pitch, which was taken by Lindor. Afterward, Ripperger enforced the balk penalty by awarding all baserunners one base, allowing Mets runner R3 Tomas Nido to score.

Important Baseball Rules Difference: The ball remains live during a balk in professional (OBR) and college (NCAA) baseball. If the batter and runners advance a base during the balk pitch, the balk is ignored and the result of the play stands. The ball is immediately dead when a balk occurs in high school (NFHS) baseball and no subsequent hit (even a home run) shall be counted.

Although Official Baseball Rule 5.07(a) is most associated with Capps' famous pivot foot crow hop maneuver during actual pitch delivery, OBR 5.07(a) is also written in such a way that a second step with the free foot also runs afoul of the rule: "The pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in their delivery of the pitch. If there is a runner, or runners, on base it is a balk under Rule 6.02(a); if the bases are unoccupied it should be treated as an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02(b)."

Even if the toward home plate portion of this rule were to be debated, this play could be balked under OBR 6.02(a)(1): "The pitcher, while touching their plate, makes any motion naturally associated with their pitch and fails to make such delivery."

Video as follows:

Josh Donaldson Thrown Out Assuming HR That Wasn't

You asked us to take a look at Yankees batter-runner Josh Donaldson getting thrown out at first base in Game 1 of the Cleveland-New York ALDS on a play in which Donaldson incorrectly thought he hit a home run that umpires instead ruled alive and in play due to the ball hitting the top of the outfield wall, so naturally we went overboard and pulled up prior instances of Josh Donaldson thinking he hit a home run to right field at Yankee Stadium that turned out to be in play.

As was the case Tuesday night in New York, Donaldson was thrown out in one of those other examples as well, this time by Yankees right fielder Ichiro Suzuki when Donaldson was playing for the Oakland Athletics.

During the American League Division Series Game 1 play, Donaldson hit a fly ball to the right field corner that caromed off the top of the outfield wall and bounced back into play, ruled fair and in play by RF Mark Ripperger, who mechanized his "in play" ruling by using a safe signal to indicate the ball had not left the ballpark.

Donaldson, however, trotted past first base with his head down and may not have seen this signal, ultimately finding himself thrown out at first base on a live ball that he thought was dead by virtue of leaving the playing field, which it had not done, a call confirmed via Replay Review.

Video as follows:

Injury - Mark Ripperger Exits in 9th Inning of Marlins-Braves

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger left Saturday's #Marlins-#Braves game in Atlanta after a foul ball to the forehead.

In the top of the 9th inning, with two out and two on, Marlins batter Miguel Rojas fouled a 2-2 cutter from Braves pitcher Kenley Jansen into Ripperger's traditional-style facemask.

2B Umpire and Crew Chief Dan Bellino replaced Ripperger behind home plate for the remainder of the game, with 1B Umpire Junior Valentine and 3B Umpire Cory Blaser remaining in the field as the umpires completed the game with a crew of three.

Relevant Injury History: There is no recent history of head trauma for Mark Ripperger.

Last Game: September 3 | Return to Play: TBD | Time Absent: TBD | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 142 - Mark Ripperger (3; JP Crawford)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Mariners SS JP Crawford (strike three call; QOCN) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the #Nationals-#Mariners game. With two out and none on, Crawford took a 3-2 fastball from Nationals pitcher Carl Edwards Jr for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px -0.95, pz 3.43 [sz_top 3.30 / RAD 3.42 / MOE 3.50]), the call was incorrect.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 1-0. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 3-1. 

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 3rd ejection of 2022.

*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.

This pitch was located 0.43 horizontal inches from being deemed correct (it was vertically QOCY).

This is the 142nd ejection report of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 44th player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Crawford was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.

This is the Mariners' 8th ejection of 2022, 2nd in the AL West (LAA 9; SEA 8; HOU 7; OAK 5; TEX 2).

This JP Crawford's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since June 26 (John Bacon; QOC = U [Fighting LAA]).

This is Mark Ripperger's 3rd ejection of 2022, 1st since July 9 (Don Mattingly; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs Seattle Mariners, 8/25/22 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 094-95 - Mark Ripperger (1-2; MIA x2)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Marlins DH Garrett Cooper and manager Don Mattingly (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the #Marlins-#Mets game. With two out and one on (R1), Mets batter Cooper took a 1-1 sinker from Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino for a called second strike before grounding out on the ensuing pitch. Replays indicate the 1-1 pitch, called strike two, was located over the outer half of home plate and knee-high (px 0.58, pz 1.83 [sz_bot 1.66 / RAD 1.54]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejections, the Mets were leading, 3-2. The Mets ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

These are Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2022.
Mark Ripperger now has 8 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 8).
Crew Chief Phil Cuzzi now has 4 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 2 Correct Calls = 4).

*The 1-1 pitch was located 4.48 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

These are the 94th and 95th ejection reports of the 2022 MLB regular season.

This is the 32nd player ejection of 2022. Prior to ejection, Cooper was 0-3 (SO) in the contest.

This is the 48th manager ejection of 2022.

This is Miami's 6/7th ejection of 2022, 1st in the NL East (MIA 7; WAS 4; PHI 2; ATL, NYM 1).

This is Garrett Cooper's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since May 7 (DJ Reyburn; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Don Mattingly's 2nd ejection of 2022, 1st since April 11 (Nick Mahrley; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since May 15, 2021 (Derek Shelton; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets, 7/9/22 | Video as follows:

Elbow of Kiermaier and Obviously Malicious Interference

As Crew Chief Tom Hallion ruled runner Kevin Kiermaier out following a Replay Review in Tampa Bay after a collision with Red Sox fielder Enrique Hernandez, resulting in 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger's interference no-call, Boston manager Alex Cora emerged to seek an explanation for the decision, appearing satisfied with the outcome.

The question we were asked is why was Kiermaier not ruled out for interference after appearing to knock the baseball out of Hernandez's glove during a tag attempt.

To guide us through Rule 6.01(a) regarding interference, we turn directly to the MLB Umpire Manual, which states, "While contact may occur between a fielder and runner during a tag attempt, a runner is not allowed to use his hands or arms to commit an obviously malicious or unsportsmanlike act—such as grabbing, tackling, intentionally slapping at the baseball, punching, kicking, flagrantly using his arms or forearms, etc.—to commit an intentional act of interference unrelated to running the bases. Further, if in the judgment of the umpire such intentional act was to prevent a double play, the umpire would rule the batter-runner out as well."

The MLBUM interp starts with a very key phrase—"contact may occur between a fielder and runner during a tag attempt"—and continues with the bread and butter of this rule: "obviously malicious and unsportsmanlike act."

Gil's Call: Whether malicious, unsportsmanlike, intentional, or willful/deliberate, all of these acts describe a similar non-baseball play. In order to determine whether such malfeasance occurred, I generally look for three elements, borrowed from basketball. Your mileage may vary.

Windup: Did the potential offender indicate a pre-contact intent or premeditation to commit such an act?

Impact: Did contact actually occur or, in the absence of contact, was the defense actually impeded?

Follow-Through: Did the offensive player complete the illegal act, even after contact terminated?

For the Kiermaier play, much is made about the runner's right elbow or "chicken wing" in the aftermath of contact with Hernandez, but I see this as a reaction to his contact with Hernandez. Sure, there may have been a moment during the contact in which Kiermaier threw his arm upward, but I don't see the requisite pre-contact preparatory act that would otherwise suggest an intentional and obviously malicious act.

I compare and contrast this play with Yankees batter-runner Alex Rodriguez's interaction with Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo during a tag attempt in Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, originally no-called by 1B Umpire Randy Marsh and eventually reversed to interference after crew consultation with, amongst others, the umpire most likely to have seen the offending act, HP Umpire Joe West.

In the A-Rod scenario, the offending player clearly and obviously winds up with his left arm, turns his head to look at the fielder, swings downward at Arroyo's glove, and intentionally slaps the ball out of the glove with his hand, following through with his arm swing.

Thus, Kiermaier's after-the-fact elbow, for me, isn't adequate to suggest what may have happened before. In my estimation, this ex post facto event is inadmissible relative to what occurred prior to the dropped ball when Kiermaier and Hernandez made legally permissable contact as Kiermaier ran from first to second base after Hernandez had already fielded the batted ball and had moved on to a tag attempt.

In my estimation (as well as, apparently, 2B Umpire Ripperger's estimation, as well), if the rule/interpretation seeks something to be obvious, a 50-50 call likely will err on the side of the alleged misconduct having not occurred, for lack of it being obvious.

What does "obviously malicious" mean to you? Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 040 - Mark Ripperger (1; Derek Shelton)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Pirates Manager Derek Shelton (ball one call; QOCY) in the top of the 8th inning of the #Giants-#Pirates game. With two out and two on (R1, R2), Giants batter Darin Ruf took a first-pitch curveball from Pirates pitcher Chris Stratton for a called first ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the outer half of home plate and (px 0.53, pz 1.50 [sz_bot 1.59 / RAD 1.47 / MOE 1.55]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 6-6. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st ejection of 2021.

Mark Ripperger now has 6 points in the UEFL Standings (2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 QOCY = 6).

Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 3 points in Crew Division (2 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 3).

*Pursuant to UEFL Rule 6-5-c, "Quality of Correctness only applies to the call made directly prior to ejection, or, if balls/called strikes during a single at-bat, any pitch called during that at bat." Accordingly, QOC is assigned based on the Ruf pitch. Had Shelton been ejected during the preceding Austin Slater at-bat or mound visit, QOC would have been based on the prior at-bat, in which the 1-1 pitch ruled ball two was located over the plate and above the knee (px 0.39, pz 1.64 [sz_bot 1.56 / RAD 1.44 / MOE 1.52]).

This is the 40th ejection report of the 2021 MLB regular season.

This is the 22nd manager ejection of 2021.

This is Pittsburgh's 2nd ejection of 2021, T-2nd in the NL Central (CIN 3; CHC, MIL, PIT 2; STL 1).

This is Derek Shelton's 1st ejection since Sept 1, 2020 (John Tumpane; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since August 19, 2020 (Max Muncy; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/15/21 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 27-29 - Mark Ripperger (3-5; LAD)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Dodgers Hitting Coach Robert Van Scoyoc, Manager Dave Roberts and 1B Max Muncy (strike two call; QOCY) in the top of the 6th inning of the Dodgers-Mariners game. With one out and none on, Muncy took a 2-1 splitter from Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker for a called second strike beforing striking out swinging on the 2-2 pitch. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px 0.43, pz 1.47 [sz_bot 1.54 / RAD 1.42]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct*. At the time of the ejections, the Mariners were leading, 5-3. The Mariners ultimately won the contest, 6-4.

These are Mark Ripperger (90)'s third, fourth, and fifth ejections of 2020.
Mark Ripperger now has 23 points in the UEFL Standings (11 Prev + 3*[2 MLB + 2 QOCY] = 23).
Crew Chief Adrian Johnson now has 4 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 3 Correct Call = 4).
*This pitch was located 1.60 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 27th, 28th, and 29th ejection reports of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the 14th player ejection of 2020. Prior to ejection, Muncy was 1-3 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is the 10th Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Los Angeles' 1-3rd ejection of 2020, 1st in the NL West (LAD 3; ARI, SD 1; COL, SF 0).

This is Robert Van Scoyoc's first career MLB ejection.
This is Max Muncy's first career MLB ejection.
This is Dave Roberts' 1st ejection since Sept 20, 2019 (Greg Gibson; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's 3/4th ejection of 2020, 1st since Aug 5 (Jayce Tingler; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Seattle Mariners, 8/19/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 06 - Mark Ripperger (2; Jayce Tingler)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Padres Manager Jayce Tingler (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 7th inning of the Dodgers-Padres game. With two out and two on (R1, R3), Padres batter Manny Machado took a 1-1 slider from Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen for a called second strike as baserunner R1 Trent Grisham stole second base. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px -0.03, pz 1.45 [sz_bot 1.60 / RAD 1.48 / MOE 1.39]) and that all pitches during the at-bat (including the preceding strike two call to Tommy Pham) were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Dodgers were leading, 7-4. The Dodgers ultimately won the contest, 7-6.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s second ejection of 2020.
Mark Ripperger now has 11 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 11).
Crew Chief Brian Knight now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).

*This pitch was located 0.72 vertical inches from being deemed incorrect.

This is the sixth ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.

This is San Diego's 1st ejection of 2020, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, SD 1; COL, LAD, SF 0).

This is Jayce Tingler's first career MLB ejection.

This is Mark Ripperger's 2nd ejection of 2020, 1st since July 26 (Torey Lovullo; QOC = Y [HBP]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres, 8/5/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 02 - Mark Ripperger (1; Torey Lovullo)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo (dead ball/batter made no attempt to avoid being touched by pitch call; QOCY) in the top of the 5th inning of the #Dbacks-#Padres game. With one out and none on, Dbacks batter Kevin Cron took a 0-2 curveball from Padres pitcher Garrett Richards for a called ball (dead ball hit by pitch without a base award pursuant to Rule 5.05(b)(2)). Replays indicate the pitch was located off the inner edge of home plate and struck Cron, who appeared not to have made any attempt to avoid being touched by the ball in contravention of OBR 5.05(b)(2), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Padres were leading, 1-0. The Diamondbacks ultimately won the contest, 4-3.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s first ejection of 2020.
Mark Ripperger now has 4 points in the UEFL Standings (0 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Ted Barrett now has 1 point in Crew Division (0 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 1).
*Official Baseball Rule 5.05(b)(2) states, "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when—He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball...If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if he makes no attempt to avoid being touched."

This is the second ejection report of the 2020 MLB regular season.
This is the first Manager ejection of 2020.
This is Arizona's 1st ejection of 2020, 1st in the NL West (ARI 1; COL, LAD, SD, SF 0).
This is Torey Lovullo's 1st ejection since June 30, 2019 (Mike Muchlinski; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since July 21, 2019 (Kevin Pillar; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres, 7/26/20 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 129 - Mark Ripperger (2; Kevin Pillar)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Giants CF Kevin Pillar (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Mets-Giants game. With two out and one on (R1), Pillar took a 1-1 curveball from Mets pitcher Seth Lugo for a called second strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and below the midpoint (px -0.2, pz 3.31 [sz_top 3.32]) [strike one is prohibited from consideration pursuant to league rule, decided 2013], the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 2-2. The Giants ultimately won the contest, 3-2, in 12 innings.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s second ejection of 2019.
Mark Ripperger now has 7 points in the UEFL Standings (3 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 7).
Crew Chief Brian O'Nora now has 5 points in Crew Division (4 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 5).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*The pitch under QOC consideration is the 1-1 pitch ruled strike two. This is due to UEFL Rule 6-5-c-5-c, as approved by the UEFL membership during the 2013 UEFL Rules Summit concerning the rule's language of, "realistically resulted in a different outcome of the individual at-bat." If you disagree with this regulation, please ACTUALLY SHOW UP TO VOTE in the postseason Rules Summit.
This pitch was located 2.6 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 129th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 56th player ejection of 2019. Prior to ejection, Pillar was 0-4 (SO) in the contest.
This is San Francisco's 5th ejection of 2019, T-1st in the NL West (SD, SF 5; ARI 3; COL, LAD 2).
This is Kevin Pillar's 1st ejection since August 22, 2017 (Chad Fairchild; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's 2nd ejection of 2019, 1st since June 29 (Ron Gardenhire; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants, 7/21/19 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 107 - Mark Ripperger (1; Ron Gardenhire)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Tigers Manager Ron Gardenhire (ball two call; QOCY) in the top of the 4th inning of the Nationals-Tigers game. With two out and one on (R3), Nationals batter Brian Dozier took a 1-2 slider from Tigers pitcher Gregory Soto for called second ball. Replays indicate the pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and at the midpoint (px 0.83, pz 2.82 [sz_top 2.86]) and that all pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Nationals were leading, 2-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 7-5.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s first ejection of 2019.
Mark Ripperger now has 3 points in the UEFL Standings (-1 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 3).
Crew Chief Brian O'Nora now has 4 points in Crew Division (3 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 4).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
*This pitch was located 1.01 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 107th ejection report of the 2019 MLB regular season.
This is the 56th Manager ejection of 2019.
This is Detroit's 8th ejection of 2019, 1st in the AL Central (DET 8; CWS, KC 6; CLE, MIN 1).
This is Ron Gardenhire's 7th ejection of 2019, 1st since June 22 (Roberto Ortiz; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's 1st ejection since Sept 6, 2018 (Steven Souza; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Detroit Tigers, 6/29/19 | Video as follows:

2019 No-Hitter 1, Mark Ripperger (1; Mike Fiers)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger called Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers' no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, the first of 2019, at a blistering 100% accuracy rate for Oakland's starter. Rip was joined for Tuesday's game at Oakland Coliseum by 1B Umpire Jeff Kellogg (crew chief), 2B Umpire James Hoye, and 3B Umpire Brian O'Nora.

This is Ripperger's first career no-hitter and the first of the 2019 season. Kellogg's crew also officiated the previously most recent no-hitter on May 8, 2018 (HP: Hoye, 1B: Quinn Wolcott, 2B: Kellogg -cc, 3B: Marvin Hudson); John Tumpane officiated Mike Fiers' first career no-hitter in August 2015.
Related Post: 2018 No-Hitter 3, James Hoye (1; James Paxton) (5/8/18).
Related Post: 2015 No-Hitter 5, John Tumpane (1; Mike Fiers) (8/21/15).

Ripperger received 73 callable pitches from Fiers, a total of 49 balls and 24 called strikes. The look:

Balls: 49 called balls outside of strike zone / 0 called balls within strike zone = 49/49 = 100% Accuracy.
Strikes: 24 called strikes inside strike zone / 0 called strikes outside strike zone = 24/24 = 100% Accuracy.
Total Raw Accuracy Score for Fiers = 73/73 = 100.0% Accuracy (+0 NU [Neutral]).
Overall Game Score: 93/93 Balls + 46/50 Strikes = 139/143 = 97.2%. +4 CIN. Plots via "Read More"

MLB Ejections 145-146 - Mark Ripperger (3-4; ARI x2)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Braves Manager Brian Snitker (ball three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 6th and Diamondbacks RF Steven Souza Jr. (strike three call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Braves-Diamondbacks game. In the 6th, with one out and one on (R1), Diamondbacks batter Souza took a 2-2 fastball from Braves pitcher Shane Carle for a called third ball before walking on an ensuing pitch. Replays indicate the 2-2 pitch was located off the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px .838, pz 2.371) and that all pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of Snitker's ejection, the Braves were leading, 5-3.

In the 8th, Souza took a 1-2 sinker from Braves pitcher Jonny Venters for a called third strike. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the heart of home plate and at the hollow of the knee (px .099, pz 1.486 [sz_bot 1.630 / RAD 1.507 / MOE 1.424]) and that all other pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.^ At the time of Souza's ejection, the Braves were leading, 5-4. The Braves ultimately won the contest, 7-6, in 10 innings.

These are Mark Ripperger (90)'s third and fourth ejections of 2018.
Mark Ripperger now has 15 points in the UEFL Standings (7 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct] = 15).
Crew Chief Joe West now has 2 points in Crew Division (0 Previous + 2*[1 Correct Call] = 2).
*UEFL Rule 6-2-b-1 (Kulpa Rule): |0| < STRIKE < |.748| < BORDERLINE < |.914| < BALL.
The 2-2 pitch (6th inning) was located .912 horizontal inches from being deemed an incorrect call.
^The 1-2 pitch (8th inning) was located .744 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

This is the 145th and 146th ejection report of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 59th Manager ejection of 2018.
This is the 71st player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Souza was 0-2 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Atlanta's 4th ejection of 2018, 4th in the NL East (WAS 8; MIA, NYM 5; ATL 4; PHI 0).
This is Arizona's 7th ejection of 2018, T-1st in the NL West (ARI, LAD 7; SD, SF 6; COL 4).
This is Brian Snitker's 4th ejection of 2018, 1st since August 15 (Paul Nauert; QOC = U [Fighting]).
This is Steven Souza Jr.'s 2nd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 12 (Doug Eddings; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's 3rd ejection of 2018, 1st since May 28 (Mike Scioscia; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 9/6/18 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejections 049-50 - Mark Ripperger (1-2; LAA x2)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Angels C Martin Maldonado and Manager Mike Scioscia (strike three call; QOCY) in the top of the 7th inning of the Angels-Tigers game. With one out and one on (R1), Maldonado took a 1-2 fastball from Tigers pitcher Louis Coleman 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 -.373, pz 1.456 [sz_bot 1.535 / RAD 1.413]), and that all preceding pitches during the at-bat were properly officiated, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Tigers were leading, 5-0. The Tigers ultimately won the contest, 9-3.

These are Mark Ripperger (90)'s 1st and 2nd ejections of 2018.
Mark Ripperger now has 5 points in the UEFL Standings (-3 Prev + 2*[2 MLB + 2 Correct Call] = 5).
Crew Chief Greg Gibson now has 3 points in Crew Division (1 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 3).
*This pitch was located 1.518 vertical inches from being deemed an incorrect call.

These are the 49th and 50th ejections of the 2018 MLB regular season.
This is the 24th player ejection of 2018. Prior to ejection, Maldonado was 0-2 (SO) in the contest.
This is the 21st Manager ejection of 2018.
This is LA-AL's 2/3rd ejection of 2018, 1st in the AL West (LAA 3; HOU, SEA 2; TEX 1; OAK 0).
This is Martin Maldonado's first career MLB ejection.
This is Mike Scioscia's first ejection since September 9, 2017 (David Rackley; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's first ejection since September 1, 2017 (Ryan Braun; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Detroit Tigers, 5/28/18 | Video as follows:

Wanted Dead or Alive - Recording a Backswing Strikeout

Dodgers pitcher Brian Moran struck out Giants batter Andrew McCutchen Sunday afternoon on an eventual dead ball due to unintentional backswing contact that sent two stealing runners back to the bases whence they came. The following rules refresher clarifies interference vs. backswing contact, and busts a potential rule myth related to this play occurring with two strikes on the batter.

Plate Umpire Ripperger tracks the play.

With one out and two on (R1, R2) in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Dodgers-Giants game, Giants batter McCutchen swung and missed a 3-2 pitch from Moran as baserunners R2 Joe Panik and R1 Brandon Belt attempted to advance, Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal's throw to third baseman Logan Forsythe arriving as Panik slid safely into the base.

With replays indicating McCutchen's follow-through made contact with Grandal during the course of his throw, HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ruled the play dead and sent the runners back to their bases of origin.

The Rule: OBR 6.03(a)(3) states, "A batter is out for illegal action when—He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base."

Meanwhile, 6.03(a)(3) & (4) Comment states, "If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out—not the batter...If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire’s judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play."

Unlike Cutch, Travis was out.

Analysis: Plate umpire Ripperger administered this play properly. McCutchen's actions on Grandal did not cause the ball to become dead immediately, but once his throw failed to retire baserunner Panik, the ball became dead due to unintentional backswing contact.
Penalty: Runners return, batter is charged a strike (with a 3-2 count, McCutchen was out on three strikes, but NOT on interference).

As for the question of potential batter interference, McCutchen remained in the batter's box (a legal position) for the entire sequence, and, save for the bat contacting Grandal, committed no other infraction. Even though he swung and missed, he is still granted permission to stand in the batter's box through the completion of his natural swing/at-bat movement.

This is most certainly not an example of potential retired batter/runner's interference: because unintentional backswing contact is not "true" interference, this play cannot qualify for such "retired batter/runner's interference" consideration. For a related play that should clear up why backswing contact doesn't result in a runner being declared out if it's strike three on the batter, refer to the following Case Play link from 2016 concerning a 2-2 swing-and-a-miss by Red Sox batter David Ortiz. There is no "double whammy" in professional ball.
Related Post: Case Play 2016-9 - A Backswing on Strike 3 [Solved] (8/26/16).

• IMPORTANT NOTE (Baseball Rules Difference): NFHS (high school) rules does allow for a "double whammy" if the follow-through contact occurs with two strikes on the batter because, under high school rules, follow-through contact is interference. The double play isn't automatic, but it can be called if the umpire rules the interference prevented the defense from getting a second out.
• In NCAA (college), like in MiLBUD/PBUC, "on a third strike, the ball is dead and the batter is out." Return the runners; unintentional backswing contact is not interference.
• Finally, unintentional backswing contact is the term used in college and pro ball, while high school uses the term "follow-through interference." It does not matter whether the contact was intentional or not at the high school level; any follow-through contact between bat and catcher that hinders the catcher's further play is interference that causes the batter to be declared out (unless, for example, with less than two out, a runner stealing home is tagged out, in which case the ball remains live and interference is ignored), or, with two strikes on the batter, may subject the offense to a "double whammy" (both batter and runner declared out) if the umpire believes the interference prevented a possible double play.
• Backswing interference in high school is a different infraction entirely and occurs when the batter's bat contacts the catcher prior to the pitcher's delivery, and results in an immediate dead ball (reset the play).

By contrast, on April 24, 2017, umpire Toby Basner riled up Toronto with a batter interference declaration in Anaheim when he ruled that Blue Jays batter Devon Travis, in stepping out of the batter's box while swinging at strike three, interfered with Angels catcher Martin Maldonado's throw (which was unsuccessful in retiring a baserunner). The key difference, naturally, is that while both McCutchen and Travis made bat contact with the respective catchers on the backswing, Travis illegally stepped out of the batter's box, as in 6.03(a)(3), whereas McCutchen remained in the box. Travis = INT (batter out, runners return); Cutch = Backswing Contact (Dead ball strike, runners return).
Related Post: Sorry Toronto - Batter's Interference Call Was Correct (4/24/17).

Wrap: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants (Spring Training), 3/4/18 | Video as follows:

Phillips' DP Attempt Reversed by Intentional Drop Rule

Angels 2B Brandon Phillips tried a sneaky double play in Anaheim before umpires invoked the intentional drop rule to prevent the would-be inning ending maneuver, albeit only after a brief consultation between 2B Umpire Mark Ripperger and 1B Umpire and Crew Chief Tom Hallion.

Well, that's one way to try and stop a red-hot Cleveland Indians ball club.

Tom Hallion motions to halt Terry Francona.

The Play: With one out and one on (R1) in the top of the 2nd inning Tuesday night, Indians batter Yandy Diaz hit a 1-2 fastball from Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs on a weak line drive to second baseman Phillips, who knocked the ball down to the ground with his glove—ruled "safe" or "no catch" by 2B Umpire Ripperger—and proceeded to execute the twin killing.

Aftermath: Nearly immediately after 1B Umpire Hallion signaled Diaz out at first base, he called "Time" to consult with Ripperger, who ultimately changed his initial call to that of an air out on Diaz, baserunner R1 Jay Bruce remaining at first base with batter Diaz declared out.

The Ruling: Ripperger's final ruling invoked Official Baseball Rule 5.09(a)(12)—otherwise known as the intentional drop rule—which states that the batter is out when, "An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line drive, with first, first and second, first and third, or first, second and third base occupied before two are out. The ball is dead and runner or runners shall return to their original base or bases."

Phillips, who in 2013 demonstrated his exceptional rules knowledge by allowing an infield fly to drop to the ground untouched in Cincinnati and subsequently doubled off a less informed Giants baserunner, smiled as Hallion's crew reversed course and ruled Diaz out for Phillips' intentional drop.
Related Post: Infield Fly Rule Knowledge Costs Giants as Reds Turn Two (7/4/2013).

Phillips grins as the umpires enforce the rule.

Phillips had likely attempted a similar version of the untouched fallen ball trick Tuesday in Anaheim, but Diaz's soft line drive simply was hit too hard to allow it to fall untouched.

Legality: The intentional drop is a completely legal play insofar as there is no penalty or base award for an intentional drop because it is not a violation of any rule (recall that the definition of "Illegal" is "contrary to these rules"); if the intentional drop was illegal, it would be listed under Rule 6.00, which is entitled, "Improper Play, Illegal Action, and Misconduct. Instead, an intentional drop, pursuant to Rule 5.09(a)(12) [Rule 5.00 is called "Playing the Game"], is simply one of a dozen circumstances under which a batter may be declared out, just as a standard air out or tag can retire the batter-runner. An intentional drop is a legal way of retiring the batter-runner, which also causes the ball to become dead. When the ball is dead, no bases may be run and no runners may be put out, so an intentional drop can never logically retire a non-batter. It is up to the umpire to enforce this rule correctly.

To be clear, the fielder is always allowed to keep play alive by permitting the ball to fall untouched, but deliberately causing a fair fly ball (or line drive in flight) to drop to the ground after making contact with it makes the play liable for an intentional drop call and resulting dead ball. Finally, the infield fly rule (runners on first and second or bases loaded with less than two out; fair fly ball that is not a line drive nor bunt; can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort) supersedes the intentional drop rule, meaning that the intentional drop rule is not invoked and the ball remains live when the batter has already been declared out under the auspices of the infield fly rule.
Related Post: Infield Fly and a Double Play - Back to Basics for Phillies (4/11/16)

For more about the intentional drop rule, see the following textbook application of 5.09(a)(12) by Triple-A All-Star Game umpire Billy Cunha of the Pacific Coast League from earlier this summer:
Related Post: Intentional Drop Rule Stars in Triple-A Midsummer Classic (7/12/17).
Related Post: Bernier Burned by Baserunning on Pseudo Infield Fly (7/24/13).

Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 157 - Mark Ripperger (1; Ryan Braun)

HP Umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Brewers LF Ryan Braun (strike two call; QOCY) in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Nationals-Brewers game. With one out and none on, Braun took a 3-1 fastball from Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark for a called second strike, before striking out swinging on the ensuing pitch. Replays indicate the 3-1 pitch was located over the outer edge of home plate and thigh-high (px .698, pz 1.846 [sz_bot 1.589]), the call was correct. At the time of the ejection, the Brewers were leading, 1-0. The Brewers ultimately won the contest, 1-0.

This is Mark Ripperger (90)'s first ejection of the 2017 MLB regular season.
Mark Ripperger now has 2 points in the UEFL Standings (-2 Prev + 2 MLB + 2 Correct Call = 4).
Crew Chief Tom Hallion now has 16 points in Crew Division (15 Previous + 1 Correct Call = 16).

This is the 157th ejection report of 2017.
This is the 68th player ejection of 2017. Prior to ejection, Braun was 0-2 (2 SO) in the contest.
This is Milwaukee's 6th ejection of 2017, 1st in the NL Central (MIL 6; CIN, PIT 5; STL 4; CHC 3).
This is Ryan Braun's 2nd ejection of 2017, 1st since April 29 (Quinn Wolcott; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).
This is Mark Ripperger's first ejection since September 2, 2016 (Perry Hill; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers, 9/1/17 | Video as follows: