Teachable - Cuzzi Uses the Force Tag at 2nd

In this Teachable, we spotlight 2B Umpire Phil Cuzzi, who attains a keyhole angle to officiate a mid-baseline tag play when Yankees fielder Anthony Rizzo lunges to tag Rays baserunner Randy Arozarena between first and second base.

This is both a force and tag play, and as the ground ball from batter Isaac Paredes is hit toward Rizzo, Cuzzi adjusts his position to prepare for a multitude of possibilities, including a potential throw to second base, throw to first base, or—as occurred here—a tag attempt on baserunner R1 Arozarena. Upon observing Arozarena's stop, Cuzzi stops as well to preserve the optimal angle he has cultivated.

Cuzzi's out call was challenged by Rays manager Kevin Cash and affirmed by Replay Review.

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: U2 Cuzzi officiates a tag of runner Arozarena stopping & jumping backwards (CCS)