It pains me to have to agree with Jimpiano and rwest. The fact is that the batter-runner failed to touch the orange base, and the defense is entitled to the appeal remedy. As in all other missed bases, the opportunity for a live ball appeal is limited; it ends when the runner remedies. The remedy is specific and requires an action; to return.
So, the batter-runner (and any other runner) who missed the base has a burden of responsibility. Just as we deny a passive inadvertant accidental live ball appeal, so must we deny a passive remedy, when the runner has not remedied. I would accept a slide to orange, I would accept a step off and back on (and would not invoke the "gotcha" of the lookback rule, anymore than one who steps two inches off to fix her socks).
Before the rule was changed to the "one big base" theory, I think we all would have honored this as an appeal. Well, maybe not. But, that change was for runners and fielders, not to expand the base for the batter-runner. We shouldn't use that change to expand the batter-runner responsibility to touch the correct (orange) base.
I would not hide behind the "oh, if she touched the white, she must have touched the orange". I will call what I see, and if appealed, would rule as stated above. JMO, based on the rule as I see it.
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Steve
ASA/ISF/NCAA/NFHS/PGF
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