Quote:
Originally Posted by BigUmp56
Then this is what's found in the MLBUM.
(9) Runner on first base, first baseman positioned in front of the runner. Batter hits a ground ball just outside the reach of the first baseman as the first baseman dives to his right. The ball then strikes the runner.
Ruling: In this play the ball is considered having passed by an infielder. The umpire must now judge if another infielder has the chance to make a play on the ball. If the umpire judges yes, then the runner is declared out. If the umpire judges no, the ball is alive and in play.
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This is exactly how the original play reads to me, with the information provided. You can't read extra information into what is written. The ball passed F3, who dove for the ball and was at the time positioned in front of the runner. The runner, in order to have been hit, must have been directly behind the outstretched F3. F4 had no play on the ball, and neither did any of the other fielders, so the ball must be alive and in play.