Obstruction/interference/"malicious" contact non-ruling (NFHS)...

[greymule]

The runner doesn't have to slide toward the open part of any base.

A runner who slides directly into the base doesn't have to avoid contact.

Now how did the runner spike the catcher "directly in the cup"? Sounds like an illegal slide, if the foot was high enough to do that. Now we might be into the area of malicious contact, so I'll leave the rest to the umps who do Fed.

Most fans, and some coaches and players, think that any collision at all must be a violation of some kind.