[SanDiegoSteve]

The running lane is not there to give the runner special privileges while running in it. It is there as a demarcation of where he is supposed to be running in the event of his possible interference with the fielding of a thrown ball at first base. The fact that the pitcher came down with the ball in his running lane is irrelevant. The runner still has to try to avoid the tag, not run the pitcher down.

My question is, how does the runner not anticipate a collision? Isn't he watching where he's running, or is he running with his head down with blinders on? Instead of crossing his arms to protect himself (uh-huh), he would have been better served by altering his path to avoid a tag.