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The umpire erred
Taking what was told to you about the events as complete, I'd say this umpire showed poor judgment (and in fact erred).
Not in his call, which was correct according to the events as described. But in his game management.
The dynamics and emotions of fastpitch are at their peak in this situation. Score tied & time expired. The home team knows they can avoid ITB if they can push across a run. The defense knows they must force ITB if they are to win.
Now is the time to sell the call, no matter what the call, even if it is just a routine third out, let alone a double play, where the run scores, and there remains the possibility of a 4th out appeal!
Wow! To just inform the scorekeeper & exit stage left?
If I had been a parent on the losing team, I would be furious. Even if the ruling by the umpire was correct (and it appears to be) I would feel cheated, because otherwise why did he end this game so silently?
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