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R1 at first, one out. Batter hits a pop-up to second, a little behind the baseline (about a foot or two) and halfway between first and second. For whatever reason, the runner has already taken three or four steps towards second when the second baseman muffs the catch, bounces off his chest and rolls towards the infield. Seeing this, the runner takes off and collides with the second baseman who then gathers up the ball and throws the advancing runner out by a step.
I know the fielder has a right to field a batted ball, but I don't believe the defense should be rewarded for the defense blowing a play. At the time I ruled obstruction, safe at second. The more I think on it, the more I wonder if that was the best call to make. I already give you the HTBT, and in my judgement, the advancing runner did not interfere in any way with the attempted catch. What would you have done given this situation, if anything?
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