You might believe it's ruling in favor of the runner but it's not. I've seen officials do it, and in the leagues I umpire/ref in those officials get more training because it shouldn't be happening as it's not in the rule book.
However an umpire in proper position in a 2/3 man system shouldn't ever be questioned as they have the best position to make the call.
No unwritten rule. Theres no 'if you can't tell'. You're either right or wrong and must own your call. If you're adamant about the call & in position 99% of the time no one will question you.
Will say though more often I'm right because I'm in the proper position to make the call. And the fan/parent sitting in the bleachers yelling at me... to quote LaVar Ball. That person needs to stay in their lane... Or put on the gear.
Umpires make mistakes, but any experienced umpire will never use 'tie goes to runner'.
They will own their call right or wrong. If proven wrong by instant replay they will still own their call.
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...ement-mlb-umpires-call-995-of-plays-correctly
Plate umpires job's are far more difficult and easier to trick. Simply comes with the position.
Which is proven by the article ESPN released.