How should (could) this have been handled?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by txump81

Any defensive player should get the ball, touch HP and tell PU, that the runner missed home plate. As noted this must happen before all defensive players leave the field. 3rd out and we're playing bonus baseball.

Why "defensive player should get the ball, touch HP"? Isn't that a live ball appeal? Did dead ball appeals disappear in Texas?

Any infielder (to include pitcher or catcher) with or without the ball, can make a dead ball appeal simply by addressing the umpire and stating what is being appealed after the ball is dead. Would you not agree it is a dead ball when the winning run has apparently scored, the offense has cleared the field, and no one is attempting to advance?