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Speaking ASA and unintentional contact.
8.8.K does not rule the runner out since the catch word in this rule is "untouched".
POE 28.3.b does seem to allow the umpire to call interference ONLY if it is determined that another fielder can make an OUT, not just a play.
Now, in Rule 8 of the 2001 ASA Umpire Clinic Guide the following is stated under Interference and Runner (the emphasis on the words in caps is that of ASA, not mine):
"Any runner hit by a batted FAIR ball BEFORE the ball passes an infielder are OUT. If the ball hits a runner after it is touched by or touches a fielder, the runner is NOT out."
Personally, if I am going to give the benefit of the doubt to anyone, it's going to be the runner. It is going to have to be painfully obvious the the interference was intentional or the second defender was going to get an out by a wide margin.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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