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Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue
In response to Big Guy, batter was RH, F1 approaches plate and her best position to take the throw from F2 would have been slightly to side of the plate to her right as she approached. Because the batter was directly in her path, the pitcher stays more to her left and approaches the plate head on. This disadvantaged F1 in positioning herself to attempt to make the tag.
One thing I would add in response to the discussion about intent on the part of the batter. As I noted up top, this actually happened in a softball game, but I wanted this board's take on the play because it could happen in a baseball game. It happened in a 10U tournament game. There were a lot of good teams at this event but the batting team was not one of them. They were far inferior in quality to every other team present. This play happened because the batter didn't have a clue; no intent whatsoever. But I still had to make a call.
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In baseball or softball, the pitcher does not have the right to block off the base without the ball. Unless the retired batter (softball) actually intentionally interfered with the pitcher, and I don't see how she could have from her position in the batter's box. Had she stepped forward and impeded F1's approach, then I can see INT. But if she remained in her batting position like many youth players do when they don't understand the situation (they kind of freeze), then she is not by that act alone interfering with the pitcher. The pitcher can only block the plate with possession (or imminent play in the judgment of the umpire) of the ball, otherwise she is obstructing if there is contact which impedes the runner.
It seems to me that if the batter was in such a position as to be interfering with the pitcher, she would no doubt be blocking her own teammate from scoring as well.