[greymule]

In ASA, a runner who is hit by a fair batted ball while not in contact with a base is not out if the ball has passed a fielder other than the pitcher and no other fielder has an opportunity to make an out.

But when the runner is in contact with a base, another criterion comes into play.

"When a fair ball touches a runner who is in contact with a base, the ball remains live or is ruled dead depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base."

If the closest fielder is in front of the runner, the ball is live. If the closest fielder is behind the runner, the ball is dead.

Play:

Abel on 1B with no outs, defense expecting a bunt. F3 charges, while F4 rotates to cover 1B. Baker swings, however, and slashes a hard ground ball to the right side. The ball goes right past F3, who is near the 1B line halfway between 1B and home, but F3 does not touch it. F4, running toward 1B, is now the fielder closest to the base. Though F4 has no chance to field the ball (make an out), she is behind Abel. Abel is hit by the batted ball while in contact with 1B.

The ball passed F3, which would normally make the ball live. But the way I read the blanket statement quoted above, Abel's being on the base while hit supersedes, and F4's being the fielder closest to the base makes the ball dead.