Two man mechanics

[Rich]

I know of no place on Earth where it is acceptable for the plate umpire to make the first call on a play in the infield.

The steal of third belongs to the BU. The return play also belongs to the base umpire. The plate umpire can't committ to making that call in case R2 is safe and there is a follow-up play at the plate.

This is a rare play and a limitation of the two-umpire system. The BU should simply do the best that he can and make a call on both ends.

Rich