If the runner had attempted a slide they would have been safe due to obstruction.

That would just transfer the risk of injury from the catcher to the runner. Or, even a clean side could end up getting the catcher cleated (unintentionally). The catcher was in the wrong by totally walling off the plate. In that case, he deserves whatever he gets. There was ZERO place for the runner to slide that was still within the baseline with a viable path to the plate. Also, not sure how the contact that was made could be considered “malicious.” It was intentional, and forcible, but it wasn’t malicious. The runner crossed his arms and went straight into the midsection of the catcher. Had he had an elbow out, or leaned his entire shoulder into the catcher, especially up top, then you might consider it malicious. Maybe. This was a truly awful call. If the ump thought it was malicious in real time, he would’ve called it as such. Hate seeing replay unnecessarily getting involved and then changing the game (as well as possibly today’s game since the ejection carries over). This is what the NCAA has become…..what next, no tackling in football?

Here is the rule at least based on umpire bible... It didn't look to me that an attempt was made to avoid collision. He isn't forced to slide, but could have attempted to go around or slide to avoid direct contact. Any attempt to avoid the collision and he's safe due to obstruction. 1. The runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (plate). Penalty: If the runner attempts to dislodge the ball or initiates an avoidable collision, the runner shall be declared out, even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the collision. 2. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder. Contact above the waist shall be judged by the umpire as an attempt by the runner to dislodge the ball. Penalty: If the contact is flagrant or malicious before the runner touches the plate, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the collision 3. The runner must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding. Penalty: If the contact is flagrant or malicious after the runner touches the base (plate), the runner is safe, but is ejected from the contest. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If this occurs at any base other than home, the offending team may replace the runner. If the contact occurs after a preceding runner touches home plate, the preceding runner is safe. The ball is immediately dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the contact. 4. If the runner's path to the base is blocked and (1), (2) and (3) are fulfilled, it is considered unavoidable contact.

At this moment in time, the catcher is receiving the ball. Yes, he does lose it but at that moment does the runner decide to slide or run through the catcher?

Based on where the catcher was standing, she almost had to go thru her to score. And losing by one magnifies the call